Roots singer Jahdon has made a name with songs that reflect his Rastafarian faith, such as ‘Congo Bongo’, but he also finds time to promote his Broomie line of merchandise.
Inspired by his song of the same name, the Broomie catalog includes brooms of varying sizes, made by the artist, as well as refrigerator magnets, keychains and necklaces. They are sold in top outlets including the Norman Manley International Airport and Devon House in Kingston.
As of August, Jahdon’s brooms are available in Fontana Pharmacy in Kingston, owned by businessman and reggae historian Kevin O’Brien Chang. Jahdon, whose family has been making brooms for over 50 years, believes it is important to invest in areas outside of music. He credits the craft for keeping him grounded.
“It keeps me connected to nature and my roots. I remember where I am coming from, my community has been making brooms for over 50 years. So, as I grow as an artist, I have chosen to use my platform to pay it forward to the men and women that keep this island clean. There is a quote, ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’. When I recognize that, it has given me more appreciation for the ones that make the broom,” he reasoned.
The dreadlocked artist is from Canaan Heights in Clarendon, a rural parish in central Jamaica, where there is a booming craft industry. As he works to establish his Broomie brand, Jahdon is busy making music.
“My broom business is an extension of my music career which is based on my lifestyle. As a teenager, I grew up around broom-makers. Those experiences helped me from early to develop the business structure that I apply to my music career,” he said.
