23rd August, 2013
In this interview, Chocolate City music act, Jesse Jagz, tells SEUN BISUGA about the Nigerian music industry and other issues
Tell us about your childhood and how you started music?
I guess my Mom started it. She used to sing to us like every day when we were growing up. My Dad was a pastor in a church then, so I started playing musical instruments very early. By seven I was already drumming. Growing up was fun, but as a kid I could still tell that things were tough. Jos was heaven then…really safe, friendly and homely. The whole town was like one big family.
Born into a Christian home where both parents are ministers, didn’t they try to discourage your style of music?
Yes. I was in a dance group and I remember my Dad stopped me from dancing. It wasn’t just because it was hip hop, music as a whole wasn’t something they wanted me to take seriously. School is the only option for most Africans and most parents want to protect that.
Why hip hop and not gospel music?
Well, today we have Christian hip hop and inspirational songs, even when I was growing up. I guess for me, hip hop re-invents all other forms of music. It has a wider range of expression; words, thought, spirit, history, philosophy. So for me, it is because I never wanted to box my music or expression. Hip hop came from struggle and has a liberation or revolutionary spirit with it. It’s the ultimate form of expression in music.
How do you assess the Nigerian music industry?
I wouldn’t call it an industry yet. There’s still a lot to be structured.
Do you think Nigeria is doing enough in terms of music content?
Times have changed. We definitely aren’t doing well at all. It’s like we are trying to project a different message from what our reality is and what the rest of the world sees. I call it “escapist music”. The older you get, the more realistic life gets, and the safer adults want to be. Life suddenly seems so precious. It’s not in the music. It’s in the society. Before our generation, only Fela and a few other musicians spoke about ills of the society. Fela was painted black for smoking and being a polygamist. If the older ones aren’t speaking, what should the children do? Where do they learn from? So what we are now is a product of the older generation of musicians. We have never done enough with our music in Africa, and it’s not just music.
What do you see as challenges in the industry?
Apart from the fact that we are a third world country and continent, there’s not much to be said. Everything is a challenge; making the music, promoting, record contracts and shows. Everything is a challenge. Like I said, if the heart is sick, then nothing or no other part can be well organised. The industry needs structure, structure needs to be upheld and protected by law. There’s a lot involved.
What’s the big picture for Jagz?
Keep making better music. That’s the only way to get bigger. Music is my profession. To move ahead, I have to make better and bigger music. That’s the only way. The fans out there need to hear that the artiste puts in hard work -they appreciate it. So, 10 years ago I was nowhere, but since I started making music, things have been good for me.
What should your fans expect in the next five years?
Better music, deeper music, bigger performances and appearances. But for me, my fans should expect Jagz to keep growing. That’s all I can do on earth. Keep getting better and working harder.
Your album will be out soon. What track do you think people would love most?
My fans are going to love everything. My music isn’t single music. It’s a collection of my experiences and soul. They’ll love the truth, word play and musical depth. They are going to love the experience. It’s more than just music. It’s not for the shallow minded.
What are your fears about life?
Fears? Every man fears the unknown. I fear what I don’t know. Fear isn’t necessarily bad; it’s what you do with it. When it comes does it control you or vice versa?
What is your strongest point?
I can never say that about myself. I think everything about me is a strong point. They all come together to make me. So, to me, everything about me is a strong point.
You’ve worked with Femi Kuti. Who else are you looking forward to working with?
Everyone. I just keep working and anytime there’s an opportunity that makes sense we’ll do it as a team. I didn’t primarily come to do features so I don’t focus on them. Good features come because other artistes recognize how good you are or if there’s business to be done. I want good business so I do the former. I work on my music and when a good feature comes I do it.
If given the opportunity, what colours would you give your future?
It would be the colour of my skin -mysterious, dark, and always needing love. It’s also the colour of the earth from which we came and live on. It’s the physical colour of all that I am. There’s no denying that colour.
What should we expect from your forthcoming album concert?
The experience -real music, real people. Expect real people in one place bound by dreams, hopes and even pain or joy. Whatever you can connect to, you’ll find it that day.