Kafeeno
Kafeeno | |
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| Born | Gregory Whealton Jr October 17, 1984 Frankfurt, Germany |
| Nationality | African-American (Panamanian) |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation | |
| Organization | Kafeeno Music (Music Director & Creator) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Children | Sirinity Joeleen Whealton (Daughter) |
| Parents |
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Gregory Whealton Jr., professionally known as Kafeeno, is an accomplished American singer-songwriter and music record producer. His expertise spans diverse genres within the music industry, encompassing beat production, lyrical composition, and vocal performance. He is the founder and serves as the music director and composer at Kafeeno Music, an independent production company.
Kafeeno's work has been featured in motion pictures and television series, including shows like Tyler Perry's "Sistas," "Queen Sugar," and "Dynasty." He has also ventured into film music production for independent films that have received multiple awards. Additionally, Kafeeno has released independent singles such as "Hard To Get" (2020), showcasing his versatility and impact in the field of music.
Early life and education
Kafeeno was born in Frankfurt, Germany, to a family of African descent. His father, Gregory Whealton Sr., served in the military. His upbringing was characterized by frequent global travel, exposing him to diverse cultures and musical styles. He attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School and later obtained a degree from Devry University.
Kafeeno's passion for writing and producing music began at age 15. Amid personal challenges, including his parents' divorce, Kafeeno found solace in hip-hop and R&B music. He garnered significant label interest at 17. By 21, He emerged as a top producer on Rocbattle.com, leading to a management deal with Grammy Award-winning producer Da Rockwilder in 2006. However, a turbulent lifestyle resulted in a period of incarceration. After his release, Kafeeno experienced a transformative phase driven by spiritual growth.
Returning to his musical roots, Kafeeno pursued formal education at the Audio Institute of America in California, honing his sound engineering and composition skills. He emerged as a versatile studio vocalist, rapper, and producer across genres.
Career
In March 2015, Kafeeno founded "Kafeeno Music" and started as a music director and creator. In this capacity, he has worked as a songwriter, feature artist and music producer for both independent and mainstream artists, collaborating with music licensors, movie directors, app developers, YouTubers, and TV and film companies. His involvement also encompasses curating music for commercials, movie trailers, and platforms.
Noteworthy work includes DJ Kay Slay's "Living Legend, DJ Creativity's "There's No Way," C-BO's "Let's Ride," and his role as a vocalist and songwriter in Tiesto's single "I'll Take You High."
Kafeeno's notable work on Television and Film includes, "Tyler Perry's hit series called SISTAS, LA's Finest with Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba, Universal Pictures' "Tales From the Hood 2" and Hulu's "DollFace."
Kafeeno's active involvement in the industry is demonstrated through his affiliations with reputable organizations. He has been a member of BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) since 2012 and with Warner/Viacom from 2017 to 2018. Currently with his own brand Kafeeno Music, he currently creates music with and directs a strategic selection of proficient musicians, emphasizing prominent projects like major commercial ads and movie trailers. Additionally, he engages in talent discovery for artists and industry entities.
Discography
Films and TV Series
| Project | Type | Role | Year | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Sugar | TV Series | Additional Music | 2021 | 1 episode |
| Sistas | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2020 | 1 episode |
| House of Ho | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2020 | Episode 6 |
| Dollface | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2019 | 1 episode |
| Christina on the Coast | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2019 | 1 episode |
| L.A.'s Finest | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2019 | 1 episode |
| Terrace House | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2018 | 4 episodes |
| All About the Washingtons | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2018 | 1 episode |
| Tales from the Hood 2 | Film | Composer & Producer | 2018 | Universal Pictures Film |
| Dynasty | TV Series | Composer & Producer | 2017 | 1 episode |
| Bruce!!!! | Soundtrack | Composer | 2017 | Award Winning Indies Film |
| Thicker Than Blood | Movie | Composer | - | Pre-production |
Singles
- Hard To Get (2020)
Album
- Emerald Crush (2020)
In the media