CJ-West

Colin Jeffrey Beckley, best known as CJ West, was born and raised in Freetown Sierra Leone. He attended primary school at the ‘International School limited’ and completed his secondary school education at ‘Limount college.’ CJ West then went on to achieve a bachelors in International Econimics at the Ternopil National Economic University in Ternopil Ukarine. CJ spent 4 years in Ukarine and from a very young age, made frequent trips to the Uk. CJs upbringing has therefore been a blend of growing up in Freetown, the UK and also his time in Ukarine. His true passion has always been music. CJ gravitated towards rap music and was mainly influenced by artists like Tupac, The notorious BIG, Kendrick Lamar, Skepta from the UK, Stormzy, Chipmunk and Lecrae. CJ was introduced to the scene in 2021 when he was featured on a record called ‘Freetown’s Finest’ alongside the legendary Kao denero. In January of 2023 CJ released his debut album called ‘1995’ which featured artists like Nkiz from the UK, Shadow Boxxer and Nyxx. He is currently working on his second album which will be called “AFRICAN”. CJ believes that music has the power to unite, divide, inspire and construct societies. He also believes that music can educate and entertain simultaneously. Colin Beckley is also a dedicated Christian who believes that the message of Christ has the power to change the world just like it does his. CJ West has recently embarked on a campaign against drug abuse in Sierra Leone which has become an unchecked pandemic in the nation. CJ calls not just for awareness of the issue but also for an allocation of resources to combat the root causes of why our youth turn to drugs. Poverty and lack of dialogue are two of the main causes CJ believes drives youths to self destruction. His music touches a broad range of topics which can resonate with any listener.