Born in Manhattan to musical parents, Iajhi has had music around him all of his life. Following in the footsteps of his father (Ivan Hampden) who has toured with Luther Vandross since 1987. He began playing drums at the age of ten in a North Carolina church behind his mother who served as the musical director for the church, while taking gigs in the area at 16, as soon as he was able to drive. Iajhi enrolled at North Carolina Central University two years later in 1997, and under the direction of Dr. Ira Wiggins began the journey into jazz studies. While at N.C.C.U. as a part of the jazz studies program he was privileged to perform at the Montreaux and Vienne jazz festivals in Europe, the White House on two occasions, and also shared stages with Stanley Turntine, Slide Hampton, Frank Foster, Jimmy Heath, Terrell Stafford, Nicholas Payton, and many others.
Iajhi has had the privilege to be involved in various numbers of musical opportunities. He has performed on such notable television shows such as: American Idol, BET‚ Celebration of Gospel, The BET Awards, MTV‚ TRL, Last Call with Carson Daily, Live with Regis and Kelly, Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late show with Craig Ferguson, The Monique Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Rachael Ray Show, and The View.
Iajhi has worked and toured with artists such as: Lina (Hidden Beach), Andre Delano, Ashley Parker Angel, Andy Vargas, Norman Brown, Alex Bugnon, Chante‚ Moore, Paul Taylor, Gordon Chambers, Aly; A.J. (Summer Tour 2007; Hanna Montana, Best of both Worlds Tour January, 2008). Macy Gray, V.V. Brown, Jessy J. (sax), Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Peter White, Mindi Abair, Paige Bryan, Nikka Costa, Rumer Willis, Lee DeWyze (American Idol), Donald Harrison, Christian Scott, Eddie Henderson, Dennis Mackrel and Red Holloway.
Photo Credit: Cloud Bobby Photography