He was raised in Johannesburg in the East Rand.
Jay’s love of music started at theage of 12. Now at 25 he has made a name for himself working with the likes of DJ Shimza, AY from Tanzania, Oskido, Emmy Gee and former members of Bongo Muffin, Speedy and Stoan.
“I started music at a very young age; I believe I sang my first note when I was in grade four. I then recorded my first song in high school in 2006... So it's been 14 years in the music scene. “
King Jay came onto the music scene last year with AB crazy’s single Nobody Else. Jay has also lent his song writing skills and vocals to Uhuru’s debut single titled Üngowami. He describes his music as “hip hop meets rhythm and blues” and says his influences are of Davido and Wizkid.
“I have grown up listening to a lot of Loyiso Bala, O’Ryan Winter and Danny K. Most of my inspirations are drawn from stars like Davido, Wizkid and Banky W, it's just their hustle as musicians and the business acumen they've created for their brand that makes me want to thrive.”
“I believe making the music is not the tough part, having to get in the mainstream and make a living is where it gets tricky. You compete against so many other well established artists, music is expensive and time has to be spent on a comprehensive marketing strategy. There are just too many factors to consider before even releasing music with any hopes to be become iconic, marketable and profitable. In a nutshell it is extremely hard to get in the mainstream media industry, when you do get in you have to work twice as hard to stay in.”
“I've started recording my EP which will drop later on this year titled "T.I.N.A"; the label is doing a Teamtalkless mixtape featuring in house artists and other African artists. Then later this month, I'm releasing my first official single under Teamtalkless featuring Emmy Gee and the songs titled "Owami". The video has been shot and will drop shortly after the release of the song”
He says in the next five years he wishes to accomplish more and invest his talents in different areas. “I honestly want to invest my talent in different things, (like) screenplay, radio and fashion. I don't know what the future holds, but I know that success and prosperity is inevitable... I was born to rule and dominate.”
