About me

In 1974, Bobby J immigrated to Canada and his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As an accomplished competent Drummer and Percussionist, Bobby J can transition impeccably between Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Country, Gospel, Smooth Jazz, Pop, Rock and Fusion music. You name the genre, Bobby J can play it. He has drummed with many Rock & Roll and Wedding Bands around Winnipeg, MB and Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Bobby J has had an illustrious career as a beloved popular lead singer, prolific percussionist and gifted drummer. He has performed with famous bands in St. Kitts, St.Maarten and Canada.

Robert James Hobson, Bobby J as he is popularly known, was born in Aruba and is the youngest of seven children. While singing and drumming on cans and bottles as a teenager, he was discovered by Cromwell Bowry (RIEP), a respected elder who featured him on a community show. Since then, his contribution to music has spanned several decades.

He played the bongos and drums in the popular Newtown Thunderbirds Bertie Brothers Band. He was one of the lead singers and drummer of the revered GI’s Brass. Though formed in St. Kitts, these bands rocked many fans regionally and Internationally. The GI’s Brass competed against 17 Caribbean bands in the 1973 Brass O’ Rama Competition held in St. Thomas, which they won.
The band changed its name to the famous Ellie Matt & The GI’s Brass, who toured the Caribbean and North America. They also released their first album, “ Having a Jolly Good Time with Ellie Matt and The GI’s Brass,” that same year 1973

In 1973, he sang in a group called Bobby J and the Flamingoes. He later formed his own singing group, Bobby J and the Uprisings, who performed at the Apollo Theatre and various talent shows and concerts in the SKN Federation.

In 1974, Bobby J relocated to Canada and continued his musical pursuits. He was the drummer for Bridge, a Canadian rock and roll band. He was the lead singer and drummer for Caraballo, one of Winnipeg’s top Caribbean dance bands in the 70’s and 80s.
Whilst in Edmonton, he was a member of the rock band Tight Squeeze and also the lead singer for Keepsake, a wedding band.

He played percussion for the famous Sue Moss Band. He also played drums for the Clyde Harvey Band in Edmonton.

In 1979 Bobby J released his first 45 RPM, vinyl record, “Disco Christmas,” with Boomtown Records, Edmonton.

In Edmonton, Bobby J established his band with Phil Bumpy Dino, “Code 7,” which comprised of Canadian and Caribbean nationals.
The band produced and released their first album, “Just a Little More Time,” in 1985.

After becoming a born-again Christian in 1991, he was a worship team leader and drummer in the band.
He performed at different churches and produced several Spiritual albums, including My Inspiration, God’s Love and Direction Of The World.

In 2012, he and Jim Stoeber formed The Kaya Music Band and an album, “Little Bit,” written and produced by Jim, the guitarist, was released.
His band played annually for years at the then-Soca Reggae Summer Festival in Winnipeg.

Bobby J played drums and percussion for the Canadian pop singer “Vicki Shae” out of Winnipeg. Bobby J continues to write, record and produce his own music. Bobby J released his second single, a remake of the late Sugar Minot/ Michael Jackson song, “Good Thing Going,” which was recorded and produced by Jim Stoeber at Tegancat Music, Winnipeg, MB- www.tegancat.com

Bobby J, Bruce Skerritt (RIEP), Eddie Staxx ( Oliver Glasford) and Marguerite Arthurton were represented by Rhythm of the Beat, the management company Bobby J founded.
The group performed at the 2018
St. Kitts Music Festival for enthusiastic fans at home and abroad.

Over the Covid pandemic shutdown 2021, with the music composed and recorded by the late Bruce Skerritt (RIEP), Bobby J wrote and recorded his UK online hit “ I Believe-Tomorrow Will Be A Better Day,” which was #1 on Cris Collins, VibesFm UK top 5 charts for almost five months. It has been, and still is on the charts in the #3 spot for a continued several more months.

He is currently the drummer and backup vocal for the Popular Kim Reimer Country Rock band out of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Bobby J is working on his 5th album.

Bobby J continue enjoy life with his family, friends and music.