Stay Jay
Jay has had quite a lot of success since he began his career as a recording and performing artiste .His debut album in 2011 featured the super-hit ‘Shashee Wowo’. In 2012, he won Best New Artiste at the VGMAs. It’s obvious Stay Jay knows how to make a hit, and his fans are eagerly anticipating his next project.
What have you been up to recently?
Jay: Just keeping myself on the low. I’ve just been doing my thing low-key, planning my next move. I’m recording my second and third albums back to back and studying the recent trends in the music industry. It’s not about rushing and making hits songs, but to stay relevant. That’s how I’ve managed to do my thing over the years. I’ve been very strategic with my career since day one.
The music scene is constantly evolving. How would you describe its growth over the years?
Jay: The growth is well noted, but we can do much better. Talent is necessary, but some artistes don’t have the talent. They are just noisemakers who are trending with the help of hype. All it takes is a little capital to push a song to become a hit, regardless of whether the song might be good or not. Years ago, it was more ‘talent based’. Now, it’s more about business, and how much money you’re pushing behind your music.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Jay: Not to be carried away with the fame. Fame is exciting, but if you don’t control it, unfortunately you will be known for a while and ‘kpa’ you vanish into thin air. It’s very easy to get carried away by the success. It’s almost like a trap in some way. You have so many fans and get treated differently everywhere you go. You are made to feel special. The trick is to stay as humble as you can throughout all this. Humility is very important, but it’s a character trait that not many people have.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Jay: God is my inspiration. I am grateful for Him giving me this talent. All his creations end up as an inspiration. I pick inspiration from everywhere. It comes up every day and always there is something new to inspire me. That’s why I will always have material to talk about. His inspiration is endless.
What would you say has been the highest point of your career?
Jay: I don’t think I have one yet. You know I am the African ‘StarBoi’, no two ways about that. Maybe, I will say being acclaimed as the African ‘StarBoi’ is my highest point, but it looks too small for me. I am aiming much higher than that. The universe is mine. There is so much more I want to do with my career. In a way it feels like I’m just getting started. It actually feels good to still be hungry for success after all this time. It keeps me sharp and more creative as an artiste.
What advice would you give to upcoming artistes reading this?
Jay: Work, work and work! No time to waste. Make sure you always get yourself busy with something to do. The devil gives work for the idle hands. You need to put in everything you do. In the end, you become like me or even better. Also, never settle for second best. You need to strive to be the best in whatever you do. Being ‘number 2’ is just not good enough.
What’s next for you?
Jay: Music is what’s next. I’m a talented musician. More music to my fans and people who are yet to hear about me and my #ASBMusic globally. It’s what I will keep doing till the wheels fall off. My fans are always guaranteed chart topping music from me.
A message to your fans?
Jay: Stay Jay aka ‘Kojo Stylish’ is the name. Keep it in your heart forever because I will always give you the best you need. Remember STAY JAY is here to STAY!!! God bless!!!