Nii Elijah, was born Austin Neil Richards in Clarendon somewhere in the hills of Jamaica, some 32yrs ago. He grew up inspired by the music of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Culture, and his move into music was a gradual thing.

He started singing when he was very young and wrote his first song when he was 12. He titled it ‘This One for the Ghetto Youths’.

Through out his education, from Edwin Allen High School, Jamaica and from there, he got some work experience doing some security work at the American Embassy in Jamaica. While he was there he “sighted Rastafari and moved to higher heights”.

Spiritually, mentally and physically Nii Elijah has a versatile sound that ranges from Roots Rock, Lovers Rock, and even Hiplife.

He sings about almost everything: his life, peace and general everyday issues.

He considers himself a versatile artiste and tries to fit in and be at home wherever he finds himself as an artiste and as an individual.

He’s even learnt some phrases of Twi, with which he’s planning to do a song in.

With his wife (who is also doubles as his manager) and two daughters, Nii has “returned to the motherland” and is loving every waking moment of it.

“Africa has always been in my heart.” Nii reveals. “I sung songs about Ghana and Nigeria even when I had not come here yet. I always prayed one day I would return to my roots and continue to spread the word of love.”

The name ‘Nii’ was given to him by his Ghanaian fans as an affirmation of his return to the motherland. Probably because it took too much effort to say Neil or perhaps they wanted to get his a local name.

After settling somewhere in the mountains of the motherland (Aburi), Nii hopes to promote and release an album. He’s currently looking for a local producer to work with.

“Anytime I do my music it’s from me heart, from inside. To reach out to everybody, that’s my spiritual aim. I let my actions speak more than my words. Nii Elijah is for the people, body soul and mind,” he says.