Jero - An Obama type takes off as a Japanese Singing Superstar Sensation!

[FrenchieCat]

If you want to see a baggy pant, baseball cap to the side, chain wearing African-American raised in America singing Japanese Enka, watch this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nlraBbHSVc&feature=related

He was named Best New Artist last year by Japan Record Awards (equals the Grammies)

He will be performing in Washington D.C. for the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.


His story... http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/music_enka_star

[firedupdem]

1. What a cool story! Thanks!

That kid looks a lot like my oldest. They could be brothers. Thanks for this!

[namahage]

2. Cool! Here's a bit of background on him:

From the Japanese TV show "Eigo de shabera-night" (literally "Must speak English"):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akaj7ce6hR8&feature=related

The karaoke show he sang on is one of Japan's most popular shows, Nodojiman, where he sings the song "Yozakura Oshichi" by Fuyumi Sakamoto.

He actually made the rounds of the record shops to promote his song:
Old Man: Is he Japanese?
Record company guy(?): No, he was born and raised in America.

Did a concert on the street:
Jero: Good afternoon everyone. My name is Jero.

And the crowd liked him:
Lady: I thought he was one of those reggae guys. But wasn't he singing enka? So I was surprised--it was great!
Man: He's got a hell of a lot more guts than the airheaded young Japanese singers these days. He's good!

Thanks for this, Frenchie!

[FrenchieCat]

3. Welcome! Fascinating story....to me....and he does have a great voice....

low and strong, kinda of like OBama's. :)

[demwing]

4. "Obama Type" ???

Because he's of mixed race/heritage? Are you sure he's not a Tiger Woods type? No, wait, better to say he's a Mariah Carey type!

Please explain....