He’s the small Swindon-based 21 year-old who used to work in ASDA. He’s also the soulful X Factor runner-up who has impressed the nation with his incredible vocals and integrity. John Pantry and Nage, the Breakfast team on Premier Christian Radio (which Youthwork is a part of), caught up with the X Factor finalist to talk through the highs and lows of the competition, his difficult past, and how he prayed with Nicole Scherzinger and James Arthur before going on stage.
From the first auditions your singing blew us away – how did you feel going up on stage for the first time?JAHMENE: I just thought about all of those people watching, and wanted to be able to inspire someone.
During the competition a lot of personal stuff came out about you – about your mother being abused by your father - was it painful to experience that all again?JAHMENE: The painful part for me is over now. I wanted to tell the story, but not through the competition. I wanted to tell the story and twist it around into a positive for Women’s Aid. I’m hoping I can raise awareness and raise funding now. People can learn through your story before having to learn the hard way.
Has your very difficult upbringing been a motivating factor for you?JAHMENE: I’ve never complained. I’ve never regretted anything. When you go through things like that they build the foundations of who you are – and make you stronger. And I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for that.
Does your faith play a big role in your life?JAHMENE: From a very young age, without even being told about religion or faith, I always prayed. When you hit the darkest point, everyone prays. Faith has always been that thing that has pushed me forwards – that light, that beacon.
You wear something that looks like a wedding ring – can you explain what it is?JAHMENE: I wear a purity ring. A lot of people have said that I am shoving my faith in their face, but it’s a personal thing for me. Children these days are exposed to so much stuff and they become desensitised by it, and they think it’s ok. I am trying to use the platform I have to show people that there is another way, a better way.
Is that why you chose to sing ‘The greatest love of all’ with Nicole? Because it has that lyric about children being the future?JAHMENE: It was a big reason – from the start of the show I wanted to sing that song, particularly with Nicole who is a beautiful woman inside and out.
Is Nicole quite open about her faith with you?JAHMENE: Her family is extremely religious, as they are from Hawaii – her mum probably preaches everyday! And she is religious herself. She prayed with me before I went on, and was a real source of strength.
Did you pray with anyone else?JAHMENE: Of course. James Arthur used to ask me to pray for him. When people go through things, they turn to faith as it gives them hope.
James took the crown – how did that make you feel?JAHMENE: It was almost the same as first place and I have come away with all of the same things. For him – in the same way as I am trying to do – I said: ‘Use the platform wisely’.
A lot of people are wondering what’s next for you - what sort of album will you do?JAHMENE: I’m definitely not going to rush my album! I will definitely be doing Gospel things. I made it clear to the record company what I want to do. I want Karen Clark, Cece Winans, Donnie Mcclurkin, Kirk Franklin – you name it, I’m going to try and get my foot in the door!
Do you ever imagine yourself leading a church?JAHMENE: I think my calling is through music. I’ll leave the preaching to someone who doesn’t stutter as much!
You may want to use the interview above as a discussion starter with your young people. Here are some questions for further reflection: • Do you think it is brave of Jahmene to be so public about his faith? • Do you think it is important that we have Christian role models in the public eye? • What do you think of the fact that he wears a purity ring? • Do you think it’s true that ‘everyone prays’ when they go through difficult times? Is this true of your friends? • Are you on any ‘platforms’? How can you use the positions you are in wisely? • It has been reported elsewhere that Jahmene influenced some of the group song choices during the show, because he didn’t feel comfortable about singing them. How can we stand up for what is right in the situations we face at home, school or work?
