Kijana pronounced K-Jana Swahili for Young Adult.

Born in Blue Island IL, into a working class family, his dad a fireman and mom a homemaker Kijana spent most of his formative years in Gary IN. As a young adult Kijana spent his time singing in choirs and bands across Chicago and Northwest IN, then in 1994 his life changed, when his first born son was born with a rare heart disease Aortic Stenosis a narrowing of his aortic valve. His son would spend the first 5 years of his life having 4 open heart surgeries to repair his heart. Kijana’s dreams of being a big time singer and song writer were put on hold as he and his wife settled down to raise there now 5 children and enjoy family life. It wasn’t until his kids asked him why dad sings for everyone else and not for himself and why he isn’t on the radio that Kijana renewed his dreams and desires to write and sing again.

In 2009 Kijana now living in the Minneapolis MN area teamed up with two great producers Brennon Salibrici and Luke Fredrickson and came up the Kijana Experience. A" young adults experience" about life, love and family this CD is a inspirational anthem for families.


His lyrics carry a personal message of his struggles and his successes. And like any true great artist, his music evokes a classic soulfulness that transcends genre and generation.

Kijana’s influences are some of music's legends and icons: Seal, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Fred Hammond, Phil Collins, and Sting

Kijana and His wife Yolanda Renee participate in many non-profit organizations: US Marine Corp Toys for Tots, Operation Hope for kids, Back Packs for School, The American Heart Association, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America. The family and children are their main goals, with a passion for helping others. If you ask them all they will tell is that they are ordinary people who like to have fun with their kids.

September 2009 marked the release date of Kijana’s debut album, entitled "The Kijana Experience." The album speaks to the everyday trials and joys of contemporary Christian soldiers and tells them in no uncertain terms that

they can, "Be Free", man and woman alike. It's authenticity and heart is rivaled only by the heart and spirit of the man behind the music.Its penetratingly honest ballads, and classic rhythms can only be described as magical and authentic.