Subway Gem

NaJah Lewis performing in the NYC Subway - photo courtesy Buskrs.com

Not all gems are crystalline in nature, some are songbirds singing underground. 


It's rare that I hear someone on my daily commute in the city that stops me in my tracks.  NaJah Lewis is one who did.

Everyday commuters are romanced by musicians & entertainers of all kinds in the subways of New York City. Some talented, some, not so much. We hear and see everything from Mariachi bands, to opera singers, to dancers (often times, more exhibitionists than dancers ;), to the guy who enthusiastically sings early Beattle's tunes, sometimes hitting the notes, sometimes not - but always has a smile on his face and is joyful in what he does.  I appreciate these performers and applaud them for their courage in facing a not always enthusiastic or responsive audience.  After all, we're New Yorkers, we've got places to be - in a hurry.  Train delays, a long day at work - sometimes we just need to get where we're going or get home and have some dinner - or - finish the chapter we started reading before our stop comes! We are barraged by people asking for money on the trains - all the time.  Again, I respect these people for their courage and know it is not an easy journey for them.  You wish you could help all of them out with a dollar or some food but often times you're trying to make ends meet yourself.  All that being said, New Yorkers have mastered the mask of indifference. We won't look at the performer or panhandler, often times we won't acknowledge them even if we have enjoyed their performance or are moved by their speech. It's a tough reality but it is how it is. In a way, this mask is a survival tool in getting through the day in a packed metropolis of people, all wanting something.  After all, how much money can you give away?

NYC F Subway Train - photo by John Barnes, 2009

There are times, however, that I am so moved or delighted that I must respond, I must acknowledge. If someone can bring a smile to my face or soften a hard day, so much so that I forgot what was hard about the day, then they've got a special gift, in my eyes.

The first time I heard NaJah Lewis was about a month ago, when I was on the platform at 14th St. waiting for the F train, the second train I take on my commute each day. The F train is known for its delays and long waiting period between trains, which makes it annoying for commuters but great for performers as they get a nice chunk of time to perform, capturing the audience before the next train comes.  I arrived one morning and immediately was impressed with the voice I was hearing at the other end of the platform.  I couldn't see her from where I was but boy, could I hear her! I thought, wow, what is she doing performing in the subway? She should be famous already. I listened, from my spot, to beautiful songs accompanied by guitar. Earthy, heartfelt, soulful, powerful. A voice that reminded me of performers from the 60's & 70's, genuinely talented and making a go for it in the most authentic and humble ways.  And yet, a thoroughly modern voice. Influenced, yes, but completely her own. I didn't recognize any of the songs, so assumed they were her originals, which I found out later, many were.

Each day I would arrive and she'd be singing. Each day her singing made me feel good. Each day I was impressed and knew she would be big someday. I started to form a picture in my mind of what she looked like - not wanting to veer away from my strategic spot on the platform (always figuring ways to make the commute more efficient :). I imagined her to be a young, vibrant spirit with wild hair. It just seemed to fit the voice.  Finally, the other day I had a little extra time and thought, I need to see who this person is.  I walked down the platform and was not surprised to see that she looked exactly as I had imagined, but stylier! (word?). I took a picture with my phone but it didn't come out well.  I was not the only one taking pictures, recording her on smart phones and clapping enthusiastically when she finished a song. This is not normal behavior for most NYC commuters!  As she was singing, I went up to her, told her she was wonderful and put money in her guitar case.  She said thank you, with a smile, between the lyrics of her song.

NaJah Lewis performing in the NYC Subway - photo courtesy of Buskrs.com

Yesterday, I decided to look her up on the internet and see if there was any press, info about her, etc... She is definitely making an impact. She plays gigs around town, is being featured in an upcoming documentary about NYC subway musicians entitled Subway: The Musical, by Emmy award winning cinematographers Wolfgang Held & Pola Rapaport, she was filmed by BUSKRS.com, a website devoted to musicians performing in the subways of New York and has been selected as the voice for the Civil Rights Slide Show at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. There are also several youtube videos of her singing either her original songs or covers of some of the most popular pop songs out today.  In fact, it's quite funny because one of the songs she always sings in the subway is "Roar" by Katy Perry, however, she does it in such a way that it sounds like her own song.  Really beautiful. I may not be up on what's hot in pop right now but I have heard "Roar" before and frankly, I had no idea that that was what she was singing!

As my good friend Cherie Seymore, a singer/songwriter and long time veteran in the music industry always says - you have to pay your dues as a performer, put in the long hours, play the not-so-lucrative gigs in the beginning, be respectful of the ones who have come before you - then you will gain the wisdom and experience to write those amazing songs, touch people with your music and ultimately, change lives. I think that NaJah Lewis is on her way!  She is a genuine soul & talent.              
-And, I would like to thank NaJah for brightening my commute everyday! - for now, that is ;)

Check out the video of her singing "Roar" and like her on facebook to follow what she's up to and where she is performing.
NaJah Lewis facebook