The inspiring and motive driven story of Johnny Armani

BY GLORIA O’KOYE

Johnny and I met through social media and I got to listen to some of his music and a bit of his story. As he continues to live in his truth and build on his craft, it is crucial to support his creativity and growth as an individual.

I asked Johnny if he could share with our readers a bit about who he is and his artistic practice.

“My name is Johnny Armani and I am thirty-one years old. I am originally from Buffalo, New York and I am currently residing in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I am a creative artist and entertainer who started writing and recording in 2003. I took a hiatus from my craft from 2010 to 2011 and have been pushing my music since then.

I was inspired to become an artist when I first watched my older cousins that went by the names Bones and Eagle, recording songs on their karaoke machine when I was ten years old. When I was thirteen, I went to an official recording studio with my brother Wiz and saw the reaction from my friends after the session. What motivates me to continue my creative journey is that I strive to be the voice for my neighbourhood that is known as Da Jungle, in Buffalo New York. I am motivated to speak up for my people who don’t have a voice through my music. I also want my art to help my family, wife, son, and me to have a better life and give them everything that I never had.

Some of the themes and topics that I focus on in my music are my personal lived experiences and experiences of others from the streets. I talk about wanting to give the world to my family because they mean everything to me. I also create music that my listeners can dance to and have fun with.

My supporters tell me that I am very versatile and I have a great voice for making music. The message that I would want for my audience to gain from my music is to cherish life, family is everything, and to keep breaking generational curses.”

I then asked Johnny if there are some words of advice and encouragement that he would like to give to upcoming artists.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t achieve anything. Don’t be afraid to take a chance to accomplish everything that you dream of and lifelong goals that will strengthen you as a human being. Most of all, to never give up because things will not just happen overnight. Anything worth having is worth fighting and working hard for. There will be stumbling blocks and there will be times that you may want to give up, but you have to keep on pushing. It will all be worth it in the long run. Be consistent and all things shall follow through.”