He says he had been through all the ups and downs life could throw at anyone, but survived it all and came out victorious. From living in the street, James Oluwajuwonlo Edahi, popularly known as Jaywon, broke into the music industry with the hit song ‘File Be’ and since then, remained relevant in the industry. We can believe his success, having a record label of his own ”Next World Music”. In this interview, he talks about his experience at Kennis music, how he survives without controversies and lots more.

What has been happening to Jaywon?

I have been doing lots of work but have just decided to drop a new album with the titled Oba Orin in April. And the album has been doing well in the market.

Why the name “Oba Orin”?

That is a million dollar question. The title Oba Orin does not connote I am giving myself a title and been proud. In fact, many of my fans now address me as Oba Orin, (King of music) on the social media. We were deliberating on other titles but the marketer felt Oba Orin was cool. Oba Orin is a 21track album, 2 skits with an intro. The album features the biggest voices in the industry like Olamide, Reekado Banks, Tiwa Salvage, Oritse Femi, 9ice, Reminisce and the rest.

You now have a label of your own, how many artiste have you signed in?

I have always believed in discovering new talents and that is what my record label will be known for and not just signing artistes. I have discovered more producers in the industry than anybody. I will be supporting and grooming some artistes and ensure they become a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Talking about grooming new talents, how do you intend to teach artistes the rudiments of music ?

I have a studio where my artistes will be tutored. I will see them getting to perform on different platforms. Also, I will work on networking and doing a lot of publicity of their activities. They will also perform with me . I have done all these for a lot of artistes in the past. Basically, I have two artistes signed under me.

Things you look out for in an artist?

We have many talents in Nigeria and that is my focus. Also, the way the person behave. I mean his type of person.

How have you been able to stand out in most of what you do?

I think the love for what I do has been able to put me up there. Some people don’t know that I am one of the most travelled artist in Nigeria. I love what I do, I love my job. My job is not just like a profession or business. I love making music.

In 2012, you had a hit song, “This year”. Another hit song this year?

”This year” is so big that I doubt one would be able to make such a hit song again. However, I never envisage that the song will do very well. I didn’t go into the studio and said, I want to make a song that would sound like this. I went there to record what came to my mind. I mean just as the inspiration came.

How do you get inspiration for your songs?

I think and meditate a lot.

Aside music, do you do other things ?

Right now, music has been putting food on my table and providing for my family.

How do you relax?

For a while now, my life has been really hard that I don’t do things just because I want to do them. I just create time out of no time to rest. Sometimes, I go to the studio and listen to some of the sings I have produced. I play table tennis too. I have been really busy.

Your crush among the female artistes ?

I’m actually crushing on Niniola. She is very good, talented, and beautiful. She is just perfect.

Are you still with Kennis music?

No, I am no longer with Kennis music .

Your experience at Kennis music?

Everything I know today was from Kennis music. No matter what happens, I will always give acknowledge Kennis music. It is only a stupid person goes about rubbishing his former employer. Kennis music is the best thing that have ever happened to me. What happened between us only happened because we were close. We were business partners and some things would naturally happen.

If you have the oppurtunity to go back to Kennis music , would you?

For sure, I would want to go back but with a different arrangement and understanding . Many things have changed, you know. This is not the same type of industrywe had back then . So in order to remain relevant in today’s industry, one has to follow the trend very well.

Have Jaywon ever dived into movie making?

Of course yes, I will be one of the cast in the next Super Story. I featured veteran actors and actresses in one of my videos, “Back to sender”. I am an entertainer.

Anything you really don’t like about the industry?

The entertainment industry is ”fake”. That element cannot be removed from the industry. Again, we often celebrate people more when they are dead. We should cultivate the attitude of appreciating people who have contributed immensely to the development of the entertainment industry when they are alive.

These days, we see young artiste featuring King Sunny Ade, Pasuma, Obesere, and the rest. But we are yet to see anyone feature Salawa Abeni. Is this because the Waka music is gradually going to sleep?

It is far from it. For somebody like me, I have done some projects with Obesere and that is because I have access to him. My point is that most of the young artistes don’t have accesss to the older artistes.

Your take on musicians having Baby mama?

I have actually said a lot about this. I don’t really see it to be bad nor a problem. My only fear is people should take responsibility for their child. In fact, I think we should have a law that will see anyone who does not take care of his or her child sent to jail. If any one has 10 baby mamas and can afford to take care of them, then it is nobody’s problem. How about been seperated just after few months of marriage. The offspring of such marriage will feel the heat the more. Again, so many ladies find it difficult to be loyal and submissive.

Artistes beef each other, is this good for the industry?

Beefing comes as a result of two persons who wronged each other and I think it’s allowed. But these days, we make too much noise about it. Some of us also see it as an avenue to be in the papers. I don’t want to be in the papers for such things.

Managing controversies?

I don’t want to be controversial. Whether we like it or not, we all have some skeletons in our cupboard. Some artistes have done some bad things to me in the past. Some will even remix my songs without acknowledging me. I ignore so many things. Intellectual properties are not respected in this part of the world.

Any plans to have a Foundation ?

I follow my instincts to do so many things. If my instincts tells me to give out 20% of my income, so be it. I intend to do more on my birthday.

Should your fans expect something new from you before the end of the year?

Sure, we have many things to unveil this year.

What would Jaywon like to be remembered for?

I want to be known as the best artiste in Africa.

Like winning a Grammy Award?

It is every artiste dream to win a Grammy.

The craziest thing a female fan has done to you?

It happened in Dublin where a female fan wanted an autograph on her breast and recently another lady wanted a deep kiss form me.

Did you oblige to their request?

Yes but I gave her a peck instead.

 

By Aderonke Adeyeri