Jero

Jero, born Jerome Charles White Jr., is an American-Japanese enka singer who brought a fresh twist to traditional Japanese music with his hip-hop influences and multicultural background. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jero debuted in 2008 as the first Black enka artist in Japan, instantly gaining attention for his sharp hoodies paired with heartfelt renditions of classic emotional ballads. His smooth vocals and modern style revitalized interest in enka among younger audiences, earning him awards like the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist.

Recent releases like “Vibe Check” and “En la nube” show Jero’s playful experimentation, blending nostalgic enka tones with multilingual lyrics and contemporary beats. His 2021 compilation “JERO BEST” and cover album “カバーズベスト スペシャル” celebrate his career-spanning versatility, while tracks like “Break My Heart” and holiday single “Christmas Eve” highlight his knack for weaving sentimental storytelling into both original works and genre-bending collaborations. Through it all, Jero remains a bridge between cultures, keeping enka’s soul alive while fearlessly remixing its sound.