Friendbook 15: Jay-Way

For the 15th entry in the Aa Friendbook, we had the pleasure of catching up with Amsterdam-based musician and rising star Jay-Way. 

Jay-Way’s diverse sound combines the rhythmic delivery of rap with the progressive hooks of pop, soul, and gospel music. Raised by Ghanaian parents in Amsterdam, Jay-Way’s multicultural upbringing as a child of the diaspora deeply influences his music, creating a rich and boundary-blurring sound.

Growing up in a musical household with his dad as a DJ, Jay-Way developed a passion for music production at an early age, starting his journey at 14. Jay-Way first put himself on the map with viral hits like ‘Happen Dappen’ and ‘No, I’m Not Ok,’ gaining acclaim both at home and abroad. In 2022, Jay-Way’s career reached new heights with a collaboration alongside Snoop Dogg on Steven Malcolm’s remix of ‘Summertime.’ Earlier this year, he released his latest solo album, ‘Island Forgotten.’

His performances are a testament to his talent for creating unity through music, drawing fans into his inclusive community where rap, rock, pop, and faith intersect. For Jay-Way, creation is a form of therapy, allowing him to speak about mental health struggles through his lyrics while simultaneously creating a safe space for his listeners. In addition to being a talented musician, Jay-Way teaches songwriting, viewing his students as a constant source of inspiration and a way to give back to the community that helped him reach his current success.

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