Jamiriquai
| Jamiroquai | |
|---|---|
Jamiroquai performing at the Congress Theater in Chicago on 30 October 2005.
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| Background information | |
| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | |
| Website | jamiroquai |
| Members |
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| Past members | See "Former members" |
Jamiroquai (
i/dʒəˈmɪroʊkwaɪ/) are a British funk and acid jazz band formed in 1992. Fronted by lead singer Jay Kay, Jamiroquai were initially the most prominent component in the London-based funk/acid jazz movement, alongside groups such as Incognito, the James Taylor Quartet, and the Brand New Heavies. Subsequent albums have explored other musical directions such as pop, rock, and electronica.
Their best-known track, particularly in North America, is "Virtual Insanity", which won four awards at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards as well as a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards.
The band name is a mix of "jam session" and "iroquai", based on the Iroquois, a Native American tribe. The original band was Jay Kay (vocals), Toby Smith (keyboard), Stuart Zender (bass), Nick Van Gelder (drums), Wallis Buchanan (didgeridoo) and Alec Moran (pipeau). These are the founding members of Jamiroquai and were involved in the writing and production of the first album. The line-up of the band has changed several times, and the longest serving and now core members of the band are lead singer and songwriter Jason "Jay" Kay, percussionist Sola Akingbola (since 1994), and drummer Derrick McKenzie (since 1994). Kay was the impetus behind the formation of Jamiroquai, deciding to form the band after an unsuccessful audition to become the singer of the Brand New Heavies. Although he has said that he has attempted to have Jamiroquai treated as a band, Kay has always been at the forefront.
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