Jhené Aiko's Siblings Brought Both Joy & Sorrow to Her Life

Jhené Aiko's siblings have an undeniable bond that grew stronger over their love for music. In their early and adolescent years, their dad built a studio in their garage, where they gathered and enjoyed some tunes. However, tragedy struck the Chilombo siblings when their brother died.

Having grown up in a family where their parents nurtured their love for the arts, Jhené Aiko's siblings, born to her biological mom and dad, lead separate and successful careers in the entertainment industry.

The "While We're Young" artist is the youngest of eight siblings, three of whom were born from her dad's previous marriage. Jhené's half-paternal siblings are Dio, Marcia, and Kareena. Her full biological brothers and sisters are Miyoko, Miyagi, Mila J, and Jahi Chilombo.

The Chilombo siblings have always been tight-knit, but Jhene was closest to her late brother, Miyagi. His death in 2012 caused a spiral into a dark mental space where she would use substances to forget about the reality of his absence.

It even caused a rift between herself and her older siblings, but the singer found herself again and restored their connection. In April 2021, she honored her love for them with a National Siblings Day tribute, sharing a thread of their childhood and recent photos.

Jhené Aiko Has Always Been the Little Sister

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo drew her first breath in Los Angeles on March 16, 1988. She was born to Christina Yamamoto, a homemaker, and Dr. Karamo Chilombo, a pediatrician. The former couple shares five children.

Jhené descends from diverse ancestry, with her maternal roots being Japanese, Dominican, and Spanish. Her paternal roots include African American ancestry and roots in several Native American tribes, including Cherokee, Choctaw, Yaqui, and Navajo.

Dr. Karamo also gave his children German-Jewish ethnicity, and his youngest daughter identified each of her mixed races. The pediatrician recently welcomed his ninth child, a son, with his partner, whose name is currently unknown.

They named the newborn JahSeh Miyagi, who took his first breath on December 16, 2022. JahSeh was born a month after Jhené became a mom of two with her baby boy Noah, whom she shares with famous rapper Big Sean.

In the early stages of Jhené's musical career, she had no creative freedom to realize her vision. However, with a bit of patience, things changed, and she took control of her craft. Still, she was seen as the baby of the family, as she explained:

"I've always been the little sister. That's pretty much what it's like with the people I work with. They respect me as an artist. They see me as one of the guys."

Miyoko Chilombo Was in the Same Group as Her Sister

Miyoko was born on March 30, 1981, in Los Angeles. Though her career started in music, Miyoko became a costume designer. Her first known credit in her chosen field is in the comedy film "House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute," starring Marques Houston, Meagan Good, and Kym Whitley.

The eldest Chilombo sibling used to book music videos under the management of record producer Chris Stokes, who also wrote and directed "House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute." Her younger sister Mila J followed those footsteps and soon caught Chris's attention.

Chris suggested they form a group, and soon the duo girl band, Gyrl, was born. Gyrl released many singles, but the group faded a few years later without an album. Mila J moved on to another girl group called Dame Four, also managed by Chris, but it fizzled out the same way.

Despite leaving the music scene, Miyoko still supported her sisters' pursuit in the industry. As Jhené's career burgeoned, Miyoko kept things in order while the singer was out of town performing, as she recalled:

"My schedule can get crazy, but I have a very supportive family. My oldest sister really keeps everything in order. When I'm out of town, she or my mom or my daughter's father (O'Ryan Omir Browner) will care for her."

Jhené referred to her daughter, Namiko, whom she shared with O'Ryan Browner, O'marion's younger brother. Regardless of her busy schedule, the "Bed Peace" songstress prioritized whatever time she got with Namiko, taking her to school and putting her to bed after a late night's work.

Mila J Has Had Her Own Music Career

Mila J, whose full name is Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo, was born in Los Angeles on November 18, 1982. While she remained in the music business as a solo artist – she collaborated with her sister on the song "OTW" in 2020 – Mila J also became an actress.

She's known for appearing in 2017's thriller "Till Death Do Us Apart," alongside Taye Diggs and Stephen Bishop, 2019's comedic film, "The Trap," starring T.I. and Mike Epps, and a 2020 mini-series titled "Howard High."

Mila J's music differs drastically from Jhené's, and the artist isn't worried about being compared to her baby sister. She acknowledged how young Jhené started her musical journey and said her "hard work is paying off."

Moreover, because Mila J and Jhene were so close growing up, there was no room for sibling rivalry. Mila J was protective of her sibling, and they shared everything. She said they were a team, and there was friendship among them, including Miyoko and their brothers.

Miyagi Hasani Ayo Chilombo Passed Away at a Young Age

His death left his family devastated, especially Jhené. Miyagi, born on July 7, 1986, died of an inoperable brain tumor on July 19, 2012, at age 26. When he learned of his diagnosis two years earlier, he turned to Buddhism and remained optimistic despite his fatal medical condition.

He and Jhené, who remembered his "goofy" personality fondly, had a loving connection. The siblings often spent time together, getting high or having deep discussions about life. After he passed, Jhené turned to substances to forget about the pain.

She also distanced herself from her siblings as she slipped into depression – though she wasn't clinically diagnosed – but Namiko's birth in 2014 forced her to sober up and take responsibility. Eventually, she sought and found healing, as she recalled:

"I started reading more about death and what it means to live. The things I read gave me comfort. I would think of him, and instead of being sad, I would be happy and know he's not suffering anymore. I realized I still have siblings, and we are him, and he's a part of us."

Jhené had also recorded a song, "For My Brother," dedicated to Miyagi, which he got to hear as he calmly took his last breath. She and her remaining siblings held a tattoo memorial in his honor, etching their bodies with pieces Miyagi had wished for himself.

After Jhené found healing, she found a new purpose in helping others heal through her music. Last year in July, as they commemorated Miyagi's life, Miyoko touchingly recalled that before Miyagi's death, his dad got him a bicycle since he could no longer drive due to his condition.

The late brother was determined to get around on his own, but his body still didn't allow him. After he died, Miyoko asked to keep the bicycle. She found herself in tears each time she rode it or when a part of it needed to be replaced or added.

Jahi Chilombo Also Connected His Life with Music

Jahi Chilombo was born on July 3; however, it's unknown what year he was born. When he celebrated his birthday in 2018, his sister humorously revealed that all he wanted to do was eat on the special day each year.

According to his Instagram bio, he goes by DJ-LA and is the CEO and founder of EBF/INC Records. Jahi is also a luxury ambassador. Although the content on his page is minimal, his timeline showcased his lifestyle and his love for his family.