Jamie Sparks – Wake Up Call
In Loving Memory of Josiah Sparks
January 7, 2018
Although his life was tragically cut short, Josiah's memory continues to inspire hope, compassion, and music that reminds us how precious every life truly is.
The Story Behind "Wake Up Call"
Some songs entertain us. Others tell a story. Wake Up Call does something far more profound—it gives voice to unimaginable loss while offering a message of hope.
Written by acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer Jamie Sparks, the song was inspired by the tragic loss of his son, Josiah Sparks. Rather than allowing grief to become the final chapter, Jamie transformed heartbreak into music that encourages compassion, healing and a renewed appreciation for life.
Jamie explains that the tragedy forced him to confront realities he had once known but no longer witnessed every day. Growing up surrounded by violence, poverty and hardship, he eventually moved away for work and built a life where those circumstances were no longer part of his everyday experience. After Josiah's death, however, those same social issues became impossible to ignore.
The second reason for releasing the song was deeply personal. Jamie wanted to honour his son's memory while reminding listeners that violence never affects just one victim. Every life taken leaves behind grieving parents, siblings, relatives, friends and entire communities forever changed.
Perhaps the most touching inspiration came from Josiah himself. Before his passing, he often encouraged his father to return to making music. Jamie had not released new material in several years, and through this project he fulfilled a calling his son had reminded him not to abandon.
Today, Wake Up Call serves not only as a memorial to Josiah but also as an invitation for all of us to love more deeply, forgive more readily, reconnect with those we've drifted away from, and remember that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
About Jamie Sparks
Jamie Sparks has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed artists including Akon, Rihanna, Shaggy, and 112. He also contributed music to Spike Lee's film You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Kills You.
Throughout his remarkable career, Jamie has earned numerous honours recognizing both his songwriting and performing talents.
🎤 Shared the Stage With
- Akon
- Rihanna
- Shaggy
- 112
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Montreal Jazz Festival Award of Excellence
- Professional Publishers & Songwriters Award
- Two African Nova Scotian Music Awards
- Juno Award Nominee
- WBLK 93.7 FM Unsigned Hype International Artist of the Year Nominee
🎬 Music Featured In
- 24
- Cuts – UPN
- Wildcard
- Da Kink In My Hair
- The Life – ESPN
Jamie currently serves as President of Operations for Kicksta Music Group / Kicksta Muzik Publishing, working alongside CEO Randy Powell. Kicksta is home to a roster of talented artists, songwriters and producers from around the world, while also licensing music for film, television, record labels, companies that provide music in stores and malls, and other musical outlets.
More Than a Song
"Wake Up Call" is more than a single. It is a reminder that behind every headline is a family whose lives are forever changed.
Jamie Sparks created this music in memory of his son, but its message reaches far beyond one family. It encourages us to cherish the people we love, extend kindness whenever possible, and never take another day for granted.
Perhaps that is the true wake-up call.
