Zambia has relentlessly developed a vibrant music scene in recent times, instigating a plethora of new genres and putting it’s own spin on Afrobeats. This has all been possible through the collective effort of emerging Zambian artists like 22-year-old recording artist, producer and Cloud 9 Music Africa member Jay Trigga who returns with his debut EP ‘Lover Boy’.
Following the successful reception of his previous singles ‘Belema (2021)’, ‘Jump and Twist’ (2021), and his debut single ‘Buss brain’ in 2020, Jay continues to create music that is authentic, and unique in composition.
Jay Trigga is the name on everybody’s lips. He has made power moves locally and internationally such as; collaborating with award-winning Nigerian hip hop recording artist and actor Ice Prince Zamani, and Nigerian singer-songwriter, and rapper Dremo of Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). he was also placed on Spotify Africa’s: “Zambian New Wave: Top 50” playlist, and has been championed by credible publications such as; Okay Africa, Spurplay Africa, and Panali Magazine. Setting the tone for a mightily successful career.
He decorates this emotive project with his luxurious vocals, afro-inspired rhythms, witty lyricism, and catchy hooks, allowing for listeners to get more acquainted with him as he paints his emotions in color that defies sonic boundaries.
“Loverboy is a project that is a mixture of slow Afro pop, and a few upbeat Amapiano influenced songs, that I wanted to create anticipation before I drop my debut album. I wanted to create a project that would not only show my versatility, but be a soundtrack for lovers worldwide, because love is universal.” Jay explains.
Fluctuating between singing and rapping, Jay exudes pure confidence in his vocal dexterity , steering the project with ease. And his aptitude for combining the sounds inspired by his Zambian roots with fresh beats is like no other, proving that his life-long passion for music has set him levels above the rest.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
The genesis I’d say would be 2018 when I decided I wanted to make music that will put my country on the map ,so overtime I tapped into new sounds and the project kept getting better it was tough picking 5 out of so many but the album is coming
I can say I got here by having a good team ,hard work , research , dedication and most importantly God . His grace has been helpful .
What should a song or piece of art communicate in your opinion?
should communicate emotion in its purest form . Happy, sad, depressed anything just has to be sincere.
Who were your top 3 artists last year?
Wizkid
Ruger
Blxckie
What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?
I try to watch interviews from my inspirations like wizkid ,kanye ,burna ,drake ,nasty c especially from their early days just to motivate me to keep going , also a nap and prayer too .
What are your 2022 projects and goals?
My debut album is on my mind .
As for goals I have a lot but I’d sum it up by saying I hope to make my mainstream debut.
Favorite movie or TV show?
movie id say V for vendetta & parasite , deep storylines and plots , series I love a good laugh so new girl ,Martin , fresh prince , modern family then a few serious ones like billions & snowfall
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
My latest release I feel is my best till date and I believe it will open a few doors. It came about from inspiration mixed with frustration..seeing my country not mentioned in musical convos drove me to make a project that’s so good it couldn’t be ignored .
What is something you would want to change in the music and entertainment industry?
the structures of deals , artists losing so much money on the backend because of the lack of information. So better deal structures and make more information on the business side of music available .
Can you outline your creative process?
It’s so random lol can’t even properly describe but for music it starts with these small melodies in my head or hearing a beat , then I hum the first things I hear in my head in line with my emotions at the time . After I put the melodies I then try to find the words .
Who inspires your style and aesthetics
Virgil kanye and ASAP rocky are my style icons , and with the help of my stylists prime slick (Slickfit) , benibo Johnson (Astro)& Ezra kazembe we’ve been able to create my own style and aesthetic .also have my merch with #nodaysoff coming this year .
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
I’d say working with ice prince, cause I remember watching him on tv thinking “imma make it big and work with him one day “ then it happened early by the grace of God .there’s a few others I can’t announce yet too but yeah that one for now .
What do you think an artist should sing about nowadays?
what they feel , cause genuine emotion and connect with people on another level . As long as it’s sincere .
Do you have any regrets?
No.. I’d say they are lessons .
What is some piece of advice you would give to yourself right now?
keep going and trust the process , God has the master plan.
