The oldest of three children, James (Afro-Preachah) Porter III, was born to Rev. James and Anita Porter Jr. in Kansas City, KS. Grew up in south Kansas City MO. His father and grandfather, both Baptist preachers gave Afro's musical roots to him. At the age of 5 he started singing in the junior choir at his uncle Rev. Robert Porters church in Minnesota while going to blues and jazz clubs listen to his father play. Sitting in his fathers practices, Afro was awed at the way his father would have the whole apartment complex jumping. Afro always saw his father as a music mystical shaman. Everyone in the complex would come home from work and knew that the music his father played would heal them. James and Anita divorced when Afro was seven almost killing his passion for music.
Moving to Kansas City is where she met Afro stepfather Dwayne Nixon. Giving Afro the male leadership that Anita was looking for. A pimp and hustler by trade, Nixon taught Afro what it takes to survive in south Kansas City. Seeing Afro love for music Nixon old school music like Curtis Mayfield and ZZ Hill. This is what Afro need to spark his flame of music all over again. Taking him to hip-hop concerts and playing a lot of funk and old R&B. Giving Afro a great appreciation and understanding that thing would note be handed to him on a plate. Nixons favorite quote Dont knock the hustle is what taught Afro to always remember where youre from to know where youre going.
By 10 years old Afro was taking music theory and playing the trumpet. After graduating from Southwest High Kansas City, MO with many honors in the arts, Afro joined the U.S. Army. Finishing out his military career stationed in Fort Snelling, MN. Following in the footsteps of his father, Afro became the head youth choir director at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where his grandfather Rev. Dr. James and Barbara Jean Porter Sr. pastured.
Afro's hip-hop career began with winning many freestyle battles and poetry slams. Also joining a three man hip-hop group called 3rd Eye signed with Jakester Records. Then later moving down to a two-man group signing with Fast Forward Entertainment. Afro became a solo artist in 2001 with Grifftown Records. J Griff, CEO of Grifftown Records is the one responsible for blessing Afro with the name Afro-Preachah. With the help of DBK (sky-high Entertainment), his memories of church and Dwayne's lessons on pimping and hustling, the sexy church sound was born.
From that point I knew what I had to do. I believe there is a musical revolution coming. Im just trying to be a part of it.
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