Onaje Bell was born in 1979 into a family renowned for their contributions to Jamaican sports. As the nephew of iconic football figures Neville Bell and Jackie Bell, and the son of Russell Bell, Onaje was naturally drawn to the world of sports and sports administration, but his talents and interests extended far beyond.
Onaje’s early education at Mona Preparatory and later at St. George’s College High School set the stage for his exceptional academic achievements. By age 13, he had already earned CSEC CXC distinctions in Mathematics and English, an extraordinary accomplishment that led to his acceptance into Harvard University’s prestigious Secondary School Program in June 1996. This early recognition of his academic prowess was a sign of the remarkable journey ahead.
In addition to his academic achievements, Onaje was deeply involved in the arts from a young age. He was a prominent member of the Little People and Teen Players Club under the mentorship of Cathy Levy, and he also performed with the Ashe Caribbean Performing Arts Ensemble. These early experiences fueled his passion for performance, particularly dance, which would later become a defining aspect of his life.
Onaje attended the University of Rochester, where he pursued a degree in Molecular Genetics. Despite the rigorous demands of his scientific studies, Onaje’s artistic talents flourished. He successfully auditioned for Garth Fagan Dance, a world-renowned company led by the choreographer of Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway. Though he did not perform in the show, the successful audition underscored his exceptional dance abilities.
Onaje is also celebrated as a premier performer, particularly known for his outstanding Michael Jackson impersonations, which he has performed to great acclaim on numerous occasions. His ability to channel the energy and precision of the legendary pop icon has made these performances a highlight of his artistic career.
In the realm of marketing, Onaje has established himself as a creative force, working with major brands such as Digicel, Claro, Flow, Courts Jamaica, Grace, Pepsi, and Reggae Sumfest. His campaigns have left a lasting impact on the Jamaican market, and his strategic vision has extended to partnerships with the Jamaica Football Federation and the Bob Marley Foundation, where he played key roles in promoting Jamaican culture and sports.
Onaje is also a dedicated educator and entrepreneur. He founded the MRC Family School, an after-school tutoring program where he teaches over 150 students each year in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Additional Mathematics. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, consistently producing top-ten placements in both Jamaica and the Caribbean, further solidifying Onaje’s reputation as a leader in education.
Most recently, Onaje has been involved in Cedella Marley’s “Football is Freedom” initiative, showcasing his commitment to using his talents to uplift communities through sports and culture. Despite his numerous responsibilities, he remains passionate about the arts, currently preparing for his latest project, “The Port Royal Experience,” which he began working on in July 2015.
Onaje Bell is a multi-talented, multifaceted entrepreneur whose contributions to sports, the arts, education, and marketing continue to leave a significant impact on Jamaican society. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind th