Jamar Esaw-The Formative Years

Known as one of the nation’s most creative, youthful, energetic, and spontaneous influences in Gospel music today, Jamar Esaw is an accomplished music arranger, song writer, vocal coach, minister of music and renowned choir director who has been active in the gospel music industry for nearly 20 years.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jamar attended the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Ellis Bellfield. At the early age of 7 years old, Jamar served as one of the leaders of the St John’s youth choir, this is where he began to learn the basics of gospel music. In 1996, Jamar and his family transitioned to the New Salem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jerry McAfee.  New Salem is where Jamar began to realize his love and skill for gospel music. He was given his first opportunity to direct the New Salem youth and young adult choir in 1998 and later given the opportunity to direct the adult choir.

 As Jamar continued to hone in on his musical gifts, he began to take a major interest in community choirs. In 1998, Jamar joined the Twin Cities Youth for Christ Community Choir, under the leadership of Lavern Shelby. While singing with Twin Cities Youth for Christ, Jamar took time to study the art of choir directing.   Jamar was then asked to become a member of the Excelsior Choral Ensemble. During his tenure with the group, Excelsior was blessed to sign with Verity Records, currently known as RCA, which is still one of the largest record labels in the nation.   The group also received worldwide recognition in 2001 by winning a Stellar Award for New Artist of the Year and as well as a Grammy nomination. During this time, Jamar was introduced to national recording artist James Grear and shortly after, joined the Stellar nominated group James Grear and Nu Friends.   James Grear along with Jamar’s spiritual mother Rhonda Campbell were a true blessing to Jamar, training and guiding him as he really began to understand his calling to music and ministry.