Jake Oni
(CNS): A local heavy metal rock star will be performing alongside Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath, Corey Taylor of SlipKnot and other heavy metal superstar acts later this year. Jake Oni from East End has been asked to perform at OzzFest Meets KnotFest, which will take place in the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California, on 25 September.
Oni grew up in Grand Cayman performing in local school productions. While he was at university in the UK he put together a rock band called ONI, of which he is the lead singer, lyricist and composer.
The band has been playing venues in and around Grand Cayman since August 2014, introducing a completely new sound to the island featuring Oni’s unusual screaming vocals accompanied by the ultra-fast guitar riffs, unique xylo synth sounds and hard-hitting drums of supporting band members Brandon White, Martin Andres, Chase Bryan, John De Angelis and Joe Greulich, all from Canada.
After touring in the United States earlier this year as the supporting band on the Devil You Know Tour, the band caught the attention of metal manager heavyweight Corey Brennan, with whom ONI is now signed, and it was through this management that ONI landed the coveted spot on the OzzFest Meets KnotFest bill.
Badir Awe of the Cayman Music Collective explained the importance of ONI to the Cayman music scene as going just beyond their entertainment value.
“Jake and his band are exemplary of what the Cayman Music Collective is all about. Their music is unique, authentic and honest,” he said. “As a powerful heavy metal band, they reflect the diversity which is the bedrock of the Cayman Islands. They represent courage in bringing a new genre of music to Cayman, which historically has been met by suspicion by many people in the community.”
Awe added, “The first time I saw them play was at the Hard Rock Café Grand Cayman to a primarily Caymanian audience. I admit that I was a bit scared of what the reaction would be but then after every song no one could deny how good they were and how incredibly talented and unique their music was. Everyone in the audience gave them honest applause and were genuinely entertained. They were converted.
“I am not surprised that they were picked up to play at OzzFest Meets KnotFest because they are incredibly gifted artists and musicians. They deserve to be there and I am confident that Jake will do us proud as Caymanians.”
In addition to appearing at OzzFest Meets Knotfest, ONI is scheduled to go on two more tours with leading heavy metal bands in the fall of 2016.
Jake Oni’s first album Ironshore, produced by Grammy-winning producer Josh Wilbur, is scheduled to be released in September 2016.
Jake Oni is a venerable force in the metal industry and he is one of the top emerging talents in the scene. Can’t wait to purchase their debut offering and support the cause. Go ONI, keep up the good work guys
Even our Lord was not accepted in his home town so this boy should not expect any better
But he is a talented Christian cayman and he is bringing the music industry to our islands
We need to stand behind him and support him
I was privileged to see and hear Oni perform in Salisbury, MA in early May 2016, when they supported The Devil You Know touring across America. This is a young band that was very well received by the New England audience. It was my first experience of Oni performing live and of music from this genre, and it is one that I will return to hear more from as this talented group progresses. Technically skilled as individual musicians in their own right, look out Cayman, as Oni is going to be a big hit in the future.
Is he channeling an angry demon that has been consigned to the pit?
Hey, why not sing for the winning side?
It is a laughable load of crap.
If I am entitled to an opinion, then here it is. This is not music. This is a bunch of youths making an awful lot of noise. There is very little talent on display here and I will not be pigeon-holed into saying there is.
The young man is screaming like a maniac and the rhythms and skillful musicianship are non-existent.
I do not know what planet these people come from, but it sure is not the one I am used to.
Olde man is spinning in his grave after reading reading that press release. This kid screams more than Arden
I call on Arden to explain what the young people are getting up to in his district. Does he approve with this type of devil worship antics. Time for change in eastern districts next election. Vote Isaac Rankine.
OMG I am actually liking rap now… WTH is that?
It’s official. I am old.
Just because some of you do not like heavy metal doesn’t mean you should disparage this young man’s achievements. There are a lot of young musicians in and from the Cayman Islands exploring (and finding success in) a variety of genres (rap, rock, pop, etc.) and we should be proud of them all. They have had the courage to pursue their passion for music and they should be able to feel proud of their successes in the country they call home.
Wow!! What a great honour! These islands should be very proud that a young, local artist has been invited to perform at such an event. This man has obviously worked very hard for an opportunity like this, especially coming from an island where his genre of music is not fully understood. I am incredibly proud this young man for his accomplishment and have full confidence that he will represent our, and his, islands well.
Heavy Metal isn’t my thing, but if this young Caymanian can make a name for himself In the music world then good for him. To all those posting negative comments – get a life.
Old biddies for death metal!!!
And Anthony Eden’s worried about gays and lesbians???
Sounds kinda Olde school to me \,,/
WTF!!!!
Lol! He’s no Ozzy. But whatever, good for you, Oni. Now screamo less, please.
Satan’s music finally gets its due!
Good heavens, what is that!?
Er, no comment.
Sounds great…never seen a xylophone used in Death Metal, maybe there is room for a glockenspiel too, although Oni should probably lay off the pies for a couple of weeks.