He’s definitely a star in the making and that’s not by any chance. Since childhood Rowland Dowu Johnson, aka Rj, exhibited attributes of a star.

Talent runs in the family and so Rj was born into the right environment. His father was a performing artist while his mother can best be described as the “Patti Labelle” of her generation.

Born in Liberia and partly raised there, Rj- the youngest of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rowland Johnson- recalls a happy childhood where his family lived comfortably in a decent neighborhood in the capital of Monrovia. However, his innocent childhood was abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of civil war in Liberia which forced the Johnsons to migrate to neighboring Sierra Leone. Rj was only six years old.

Sadly, the war spilled over into Sierra Leone the following year and for the next six years the Johnsons, like everyone else living in Sierra Leone, grappled between life and death. The challenges of moving to another country and the trauma of the civil war molded Rj into a determined person.

He soon enrolled at a local primary school and later the Sierra Leone Grammar School, where he made some life-long friends. His lovable personality and beaming smile won the hearts of many of his peers and teachers and he was soon the 'star' among his friends. Even at a tender age, Rj’s talent was not hidden. At school, he won many certificates and trophies, from best dancer to best actor.

Additionally, his family became faithful attendants at a local church, Evangel Assemblies of God church at Murray Town. Rj was one of the eager minds in the Sunday school department where he was also a member of the children's choir. The Sunday department not only nurtured him spiritually but also served as a platform where he could develop his musical and performing skills. He soon became the lead singer of the Children’s choir and later formed a group of five called Five for Jesus (54J) of which he was also the lead singer.

Interestingly, Rj’s talent was not only confined to the walls of the church. His popularity was on the rise- at school and in the city of Freetown. He recalls being solicited to perform at several variety shows, birthday and club parties to name a few and how he basked in the warmth of the love and spotlight. Those moments became defining moments in Rj’s life as he soon realized that he was born to sing and perform.

Currently based in the USA Rj is now poised to register himself firmly in the hearts of Sierra Leoneans. Until his recent collabo with compatriot, the award winning ‘King of Sierra Leonean hip-hop’ Kao Denero, Rj was little known in his second home country. One of his singles which found its way into the hands of Free Radio was aired during a popular programme called ‘What’s new’. Listeners were asked to name the author of the song and most of them said it was US R&B sensation Chris Brown.

His recent collabo with Kao Denero, titled ‘Baby’, is now hitting the airwaves and Rj is gradually etching out a name for himself in the Sierra Leone music industry. Fortunately, ‘Baby’ is perhaps one of the best things to happen in an industry that is suffering some unnecessary setbacks. “The song is about having fun in the club with your special someone. Its one of those "feels good"’ music that every one can relate to.” Rj said.

“My first album will definitely be out this year and it will speak volumes of Rj.”However, the artist said his new album is tentatively titled: The Rj Show.“The album is gonna be a mix of genre ranging from R&B, lovers rock, dancehall, zouk , soul and pop.I took my time doing this album, making sure every song is a hit. He continued: "THE RJ SHOW" is gonna cater to all age group, this album is not all about party songs and love song, i'm a conscious singer, so of course there's gonna be songs about peace, hope, real life situation the fans can identify with.."he said

Rj drew inspiration from artists from all genres and backgrounds including traditional folk singers Samuel Rogers (Old Rogie) and Docta Olloh; Usher, Justin Timberlake, U2, West Life, Dru Hill, Boyz 2 Men, Az Yet, CeCe Winans..... but Rj was probably most influenced by the late Michael Jackson.