Introducing Jay Trigga, the rising Zambian sensation leading the charge for the new wave of Afro artists in the Southern region. With a hit track like "Buss Brain" under his belt, he's become a household name, and the catchphrase "give us iwe" has become a staple of his personal brand. Get ready to be swept away by Jay Trigga's dynamic sound.
We had a chat with Jay Trigga on his journey as an afro artist thus far and this is what he said.
Can you tell us about your journey as an Afro-musician? How did you get started in the industry?
Believe it or not, I started my musical journey as a hip-hop artist and producer, but as I delved deeper into the music scene, I found myself drawn to the uplifting message conveyed through Afro beats. Through extensive exploration and studying the works of legends like Burna Boy and Wizkid, I have honed my own unique sound that embodies love, positivity, and good vibes.
How does your African heritage influence your music and songwriting?
It influences the songwriting heavily cause it’s the sound of the continent and without any connection to the motherland it’s almost impossible to create this music.
Can you talk about a particularly memorable moment or performance in your career so far?
My most memorable moment was when Rema invited me on stage in Zambia in 2022. I met many big names in Africa but Rema impressed me the most because of his young age and outstanding accomplishments. Being recognized by him was incredibly inspiring and gave me the feeling that I am also making a positive impact.
How do you see the Afro-music scene evolving in the future?
I envision Afro-music becoming a leading genre globally. It's already making a significant impact and as it continues to incorporate influences like RnB, it won't be long before it becomes the dominant genre in the music industry.
Tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works?
I have an Ep that’s in the works with a few surprise collaborations, I’ll just have to let you wait and see.
Can you discuss any challenges you've faced as an Afro-musician and how you've overcome them?
As an independent artist from an independent label, one of the biggest hurdles I have faced is expanding beyond my current reach. But I'm embracing the excitement of this challenge with the help of social media, which has made the world a smaller place and opened up new doors for me.
Tell us about any social or political issues you address in your music?
Up until now, I've been focused on releasing music that radiates love and positivity. I believe this has a positive impact on listeners' mental well-being. In the future, I plan to delve deeper into this space and address mental health in my music. As for politics, I prefer to steer clear of it.
Can you give us a sneak peek into your creative process when writing and recording new music?
Inspiration often strikes me in unexpected moments, it could be a beat or just a random thought. My first step is to capture the melodies, sometimes they are nonsense, but it's all about capturing the rhythm. Then I fill in the words to bring the song to life.
Can you talk about how you connect with your audience during live performances? How do you make your shows interactive and engaging?
Making music is all about the audience for me! That's why I focus on writing tunes that are easy to belt out. And when I hit the stage, a live band takes the experience to the next level. With their help, I can add some extra flair to the songs and create a good time for everyone in attendance.
Any upcoming tours or shows you have planned?
I plan on touching countries in my region like Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana mostly to push the sound and then hopefully I’d be able to go to west Africa for a few collaborations as it is the heart of Afro music.
Can you tell us about any notable collaborations or features you have had with other artists?
Collaborating with the likes of Ice Prince, Dremo, Ice Queen and more artists yet to be revealed has been a thrill! My latest hit single, 'Special Somebody' featuring Cjayy Prime, has been making waves on Instagram thanks to Chop Daily. I'm putting in the work and building my brand, so I'm hoping to rack up some nominations soon.
How do you incorporate traditional instruments or sounds into your music?
It's all thanks to my amazing producers! I collaborate with top talent from Nigeria, who have a deep understanding of Afro beats, making it a breeze to create music. I add my own unique touch by incorporating some local languages, bringing it all together to make something truly special.
Can you tell us about any notable moments in your career that have been particularly meaningful to you?
Scoring my first chart placement on Zambian radio was a massive accomplishment! It wasn't easy, but hearing my music on the airwaves was electrifying. And when BBC 1xtra got in on the action? That was a memory to cherish forever!
I'm constantly reaching for new musical milestones and I've got my sights set on even greater things. Another proud moment was receiving a plaque from the Chinese embassy for representing the country well in the music industry. It was the biggest honor of my career so far, but I'm always striving for more.
Any exciting new projects or ventures you're working on outside of music?
I've got a few side hustles going, but my main gig is a solar energy company. Recently, I earned my MBA and I'm pumped to see what opportunities this new degree will open up for me. While in China I got a plaque from the embassy for representing the country well in this industry, that’s been the biggest honor so far but I’m still looking forward to getting more.
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