With Grime making a resurgence around the country, it’s time for one of 0121’s forefront runners of the genre in Jaykae to rise once more.
He’s been flooding sets with wheel-ups for over 16 years, and in comparison, to his youthful days at Invasion Alert, he now stands tall with number one hits, companions in Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, and is set to perform two live performances with an orchestral band to celebrate Birmingham’s pledge to Grime.
April 12th and 28th will see LEGACY connect Jaykae, Lady Leshurr, Dapz On The Map, Saf One and more to celebrate a stellar night of music.
As we prepare for an iconic two nights of live music, Jaykae breaks down his preparation for the shows, his goals for 2025, transitioning into the business of boxing and more.
So Jaykae, you have two dates performing with LEGACY in Birmingham and London. Can you give viewers an insight into the build up to these shows?
“It’s two very different worlds meeting together and creating something very special. Obviously, we’re Grime emcees and they’re from an orchestral background and classical music and we’ve merged the two of them. We’ve made the most of it and I’m very excited to see how it comes out on the day.”
In terms of performing with an orchestra, how have you found the experience so far and what have you found to be the biggest difference related to other shows you have done?
“It’s just being aware of the surroundings. I’ve rehearsed once. I’m performing two songs on the night. I would like to do it a bit more just to get used to the surroundings, but they’ve smashed it. I’m very confident that it’s going to come out sick. It’s not like just putting a beat on and spitting bars, when it’s a whole orchestra and you’re hearing your piece of music being played in a way you’ve never heard and all these instruments are aligned and coming together, it’s overwhelming to hear!”
Grime has had a resurgence over the past 12 months, do you see this as a big marker for the genre to collaborate with a live orchestra?
“I’ve previously worked with some amazing bands for live shows, but I’m telling you, it doesn’t even compare to what we’re doing with orchestra! I think Birmingham’s always been a part of the resurgence of Grime anyway. Anytime Grime is popping, off, it’s something we’re doing down here usually. I’ve single handily popped Grime off before. I think Birmingham plays a very big part.”
This is a great opportunity to celebrate Birmingham’s past, present and future stars of music. Can you recall your first memory of being involved with music in the city?
“I got invited to an Invasion Alert set. This is before I even joined Invasion Alert. I was about 16-17. We rammed out two cars, drove to the youth centre and I absolutely killed it. I remember I got more reloads then everyone and nobody knew who I was. Dapz On The Map asked how old I was and he couldn’t believe it! That stands out for me. A very big part of my career.”
Who’s set are you looking forward to seeing live with the orchestra?
“The mandem. I know Trappy and Mayhem, they’re doing a set format and I’m interested to see how they’re going to perform.”
This year you’ve released “Random Blocks” and “Switched On”, can we expect a new body of work from Jaykae this year?
“100%. This is what I’m building it into. “Switched On” was a throwaway. That wasn’t for a project. I want to do the groundworks first. TikTok has blown up in the space I haven’t done music. There’s a whole audience to capture. Me, M1llionz and Trizzy are working on a little EP. I also got a track with Mike Skinner dropping! Consistently, I want to drop a lot throughout the year. I’m very conscious and I care about the music that I’ve made for so long, but I’m aware that people probably, after a month or so, it’s not gonna’ mean nothing to them. Back in the day, you buy an album, and you know track one to 15 off by heart and you burn your own CDs and there’s different ways of listening to music. It’s so accessible now, it’s hard for things to stay and I care about my music.”
You also have business in boxing. How have you found the transition between music and sport?
“I’ve opened a boxing gym, managed professional boxers, I’m establishing myself. If I’ve got a passion for something, I’m usually good at it. It initially started from helping people, knowing how to market them and get them out there. I was signed to Reebok and had resources. My boy Ibrahim ‘Spider’ Sulaiman, who I’ve managed since he was amateur, I used to pay for his strength and conditioning and plugged him up with Reebok. We made a plan for him. He’s turned professional and he’s now signed with Eddie Hearn for the next three years.”
You’ve been heavily involved with music a while now, what would you say has been your career highlight so far?
“People always say to me “Your song was on Power”. I always hear that you get me. It’s sick, don’t get me wrong, but for me, I don’t think that was like mine. I think shows are always sick, but I think ‘Take Me Back To London’ was f**king mad! The relationships I’ve built from that. Ed is now my bredrin, I chat to him most days. Aitch and Stormzy are my boys. That was a nice moment. I represented for Birmingham. It went to number one as well.”
What’s been the best advice given to yourself in music?
“Skepta told me years ago, it’s okay to say no. Just say no. I have a good heart but sometimes I won’t have the time. Just tell them no. What’s the worst that can happen? It’s simple, but it’s always stuck in my head. If you can’t do it, just tell them no.”
What advice do you have for those trying to pursue a career in music?
“Have a good team around you, always look after yourself in money terms. Learn about your taxes, people get the bag and then just blow it. Be honest with your craft. Music is harsh, it’s very public, it’s open. Everyone can comment and make a remark. Be honest with everything, your craft, and your lyrics.”
LEGACY and Birmingham’s music icon’s will be performing on Saturday 12th April at Symphony Hall Birmingham. Their second date will be 28th April at London’s Southbank Centre.