Joel NR Powell is no stranger to the entertainment scene. He first emerged as a disc jockey by creating the popular sound system, Jamaican term for DJ, Ninja Ryders Sound. Through the Ninja Ryders Sound brand, Joel worked as a DJ and hosted the internet radio program, The Layer Show, which was broadcast from Toronto, Canada and was featured on the Los Angeles California network, sensimedia.net. The show generated over 20,000 plus listeners every Saturday. As his fan base began to grow, he went on to host over 200 promotional mix tapes that have circulated throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe.
His mix tapes featured music from both mainstream and independent recording artists. It became so popular that Reggae music conglomerate, VP Records, joined forces with his Ninja Ryders Sound brand and had him created the official Alborosie and Friends mix tape. The mix tape, featured Reggae stars such as the Grammy award winning Shabba Ranks, Black Uhuru, Steel Pulse, Ky-mani Marley who is the son of Bob Marley, and many more. The mix tape has been streamed online over 125,000 times via VP Records Soundcloud page.
Joel was never been a man to place all of his eggs into one basket. His has continued his entrepreneurial endeavors by expanding, not only his ideas, but his brand. As a graduate of Humber the Business School, Joel holds a diploma in Business Management. He is also the Author of the critically acclaimed, self published book Black Empowerment & Minority Issues. The 7 chapter book speaks in depth about the adversity that visible minorities often face in today’s society. The book was given a well received article write up, featured in Toronto Life Magazine, that was written by acclaimed Canadian Journalist Jan Wong.
The book was later awarded best selling, non-fiction title, an awarded given by the Canadian, Knowledge Book Store. Actress, Poet and Granddaughter of Reggae Icon Bob Marley, Donisha Prendergast, said “Great book…Give thanks for the insight.” It received many other positive reviews, one being from Forbes magazine and Hip Hop artist, Tech N9ne saying, “Keep writing those books Mr. Powell and may your future seeds carry on the tradition.” Following its great success, an equally successful documentary based on the book was released, Empowerment through Awareness. The film featured an exclusive interview with Dr. Joanne Thicke, aunt of R&B Singer Robin Thicke.
Along with holding the titles of DJ, Recording Artist, Author, and Entrepreneur, Joel has also been awarded the Robert Nesta Marley award, created in honor of the late Bob Marley. He received this award because of his contributions to the growth and awareness of African and Caribbean cultures from around the world. The award was given to him through the Friends For Life Ministry- Canada. Along with this honor, Joel has also appeared in several publications. Humber the Business School featured Joel in their inaugural issue magazine that discussed the success stories of business school graduates. He has also appeared in prominent periodicals such as XXL Magazine, The Source Magazine, Jamaican Xpress, SNAP Brampton, SNAP Mississauga, and Caribbean Camera.
Along with these achievements, he has been a keynote speaker for the University of Toronto, Lincoln Alexander Secondary School, George Brown College and Lester B. Pearson Collegiate. In his entertainment career, Joel has performed in two Canadian Tours with well known Hip Hop Artists Tech N9ne and Jadakiss. Not forgetting his DJ roots in the entertainment industry, he was also nominated for best DJ at the 2015 Black Canadian Awards. Like always, Joel continues to perform and speak at engagements and seminars, gaining new fans with every appearance.
As of recent his book was chosen by the International Literacy Association (ILA) to be apart of International Literacy Day (ILD) taking place on September 8, 2016. It is designed to raise awareness and advance literacy in communities worldwide. Joel is far from slowing down; as his skills and talents will continue to empower the world of arts and entertainment for many years to come.
