Joby Jay Aims to Make Her Mark Alongside R&B Icons

The soulful reggae-fusion singer opens up about her creative process,shaped by influences like Nina Simone and Jah9, and gets ready to share the stage live with Dru Hill and Brian McKnight. “I want to create a moment people will remember,” she shares

 Reggae-fusion artist Joby Jay (Photo:Dacx Photography)

Soulful reggae-fusion artist Joby Jay brings a distinct sound to the genre, having launched her musical journey in 2019 after gaining attention with a standout performance at Unplgd, an acoustic showcase for reggae talent.

Influenced by the likes of Jah9, Nina Simone, and Lauryn Hill, her style blends genres seamlessly, driven by instinct and emotion rather than formulas, making it a hallmark of her artistic identity.

“Deciding which genres to blend is hardly ever planned. When producers send me instrumentals, I’ll naturally be drawn to the ones with sounds and vibe I like. If a Riddim is being created from scratch for a song, it’s really about what sounds and feels right,” she shared.

“Sharing the stage with artistes I’ve looked up to is surreal.”

For most, if not all, Reggae artistes, it is their everyday life that provides the commentary realized in their art. “I think social commentary is very important. Art should reflect the times, as Nina Simone once said. So much is happening in the world, at any given moment it can be very overstimulating and discouraging so I try to be very intentional with making music that can uplift people,” she adds.

2020 was a challenging year for Joby Jay, but with the support of her team, she persevered, contributing the track “Queen” to a Swiss compilation and engaging fans through online shows like Kingston Creative and the Harry J Live Couch Series.

“I have a protective team that has acted as a filter for me, but I’m fully aware of the struggles other women in the industry continue to face,” she resonated. “I just do my best to stay careful and look out for other women whenever I can.”

"Even though I may pull from different genres, there’s always a Jamaican flavour. I try not to limit myself to boxes, but I make sure the energy still feels true to who I am as a Jamaican"

Despite her relatively short time being on the music scene, she was named VM Wealth Breakthrough Artiste of the Year at the 2022 JaRIA Awards and released her debut EP, LOVE LEVELS, in 2023.

Speaking about her creative process, she shared, “My creative process usually starts with whatever emotion I’m feeling. I ask myself what I really want to say in the moment, and then I build the vibe around that, if I’m not writing to an already existing instrumental. Even though I may pull from different genres, there’s always a Jamaican flavour. I try not to limit myself to boxes, but I make sure the energy still feels true to who I am as a Jamaican”.

Now, the rising local star is set to share the stage with iconic acts like Dru Hill and Brian McKnight, a moment that feels both surreal and deeply fulfilling. “It feels great! I’m truly honoured to be one of the few local acts on the show. Sharing the stage with artistes I’ve looked up to is surreal. I’m really excited to go out there, give a great performance and make some new fans,” Joby shares.

With a set that promises to be as soulful as it is dynamic, fans can expect a show packed with personality, smooth melodies, and a few unexpected twists. “I want to create a moment people will remember,” she expresses. Judging by the anticipation surrounding her performance, Joby Jay is well on her way to doing just that.