Stage Name: Younkonde

Birth Name: Jerome Suah

Genre: Reggae | Dancehall | Conscious Music

Label: Konde Visions (Buffalo, NY)

Origin: Liberia, West Africa

Current Base: New York, USA

Younkonde is a Liberian-born reggae and dancehall artist whose music channels resilience, truth, and transformation. From surviving Liberia’s civil war and orphanage life to performing alongside Alicia Keys, his journey is a testament to the power of sound and spirit. His music blends raw emotion with conscious storytelling, making him one of the most compelling voices in the diaspora.

Born in Liberia, West Africa, Jerome Suah—known professionally as Younkonde —is a reggae-dancehall artist whose life story fuels his music. Separated from his parents during Liberia’s civil war, he endured life in orphanages and the streets of Monrovia before migrating to the United States. In 1998, he discovered reggae through Nasio’s Reggae Power album, sparking a lifelong passion for music with a message. His debut single, “Left Alone” (2019), received strong praise from friends and family, prompting him to pursue music professionally under the name Younkonde.

Since then, he’s performed at universities and cultural events across the U.S., including UB University and Chadron State College. A career-defining moment came when he freestyled with Alicia Keys on her song “We Are Here.”

In 2014, Younkonde was nominated Best Reggae Artist at the Liberian Music Awards and signed with Code Red Globe. His singles “No More” and “One Love” address global social issues and continue to gain traction on YouTube and at cultural gatherings.

Joseph Junior Teah of the Liberia Music Awards Foundation describes him as “one of the best raw and structured Liberian talents based in the U.S.—an artist who represents transformation, from Don Bosco to global stages.”

• Left Alone (2019) – Debut single

• No More (2025) – Social justice anthem

• One Love (2025) – Unity and global awareness

Discography Highlights

Notable Performances

• UB University (New York)

• Chadron State College (Nebraska)

• Freestyle with Alicia Keys – “We Are Here”

Awards & Recognition

• Best Reggae Artist Nominee – Liberian Music Awards (2014)

• Signed to Code Red Globe (Buffalo, NY)

• Recognized by LMA Foundation for stage energy and impact

Press Quotes

“Younkonde represents change—from the Don Bosco orphanage to global stages. His energy is unmatched.”

-- Joseph Junior Teah, Liberia Music Awards Foundation