One On One With Jaye K?yz – Africa’s Premier Keytarist
A MINUTE WITH features individuals of African descent around the globe who continue to inspire us with their gifts and talents. We spend a quick minute with the talented ?Jaiye Durojaiye a.k.a Jay? Keyz, Africa’s foremost Keytarist. Based in Lagos, Nigeria he has garnered recognition and established himself as the leading artist in his genre – and all before the age of thirty.
Be inspired!
Tell us about who you are as an artist
Jay? Keyz is Africa?s Number 1 Ace Keytarist. The very first in the continent to build a career around the Keytar.
How did you discover your talent as a keytarist? Who is a keytarist? You are incredibly talented
I?d been playing keyboards for years, long before I discovered the Keytar. I picked it up because it gives me the freedom to move around when performing, unlike having to just stand or sit behind a keyboard.?A Keytarist is simply someone who plays a Keytar professionally.?Thanks for the compliment.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is ?Instrumental Afropop?
What is the inspiration behind your music?
Greatness inspires me. When I meet and read about people who?ve ?started from the bottom? (in Drake?s voice {laughs}) and gone ahead to be icons in various spheres, I?m greatly inspired.
In what direction are you hoping to take your work as an artist?
I?m hoping to break out as an A-list artiste and entrepreneur, first in Nigeria, then the rest of Africa, then ultimately Europe and the rest of the world.
What is your role as a musician of African descent in showcasing talent from the continent on the global scene? The recognition is fast rising…
My role is to make the most of the gift I?ve been blessed with and to exploit all channels available, especially the media, to project my brand and music on the global scene
Any planned tours?
Yes, I?m planning to go on tour soon after I release my first mixtape.
Any planned singles or releases?
I just released a single which is my Keytar version of Swedish House Mafia?s ?Don?t You Worry Child?. It?s the first single off my mixtape. I?m presently promoting it and will be shooting a video for it as well.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
Well, I also own a live band (The Jay? Band) that plays at corporate functions, weddings, and events of all sorts. Asides that, it’s all about Jay? Keyz.
Now let’s get personal…..
Best way to Unwind:?Lounging with close friends, associates, beautiful women, some wine and a cigar
Favorite Book:??50th?Law? (Robert Greene & 50 Cent)
Favorite Movie:?The Godfather
Guilty Pleasure:? Online shopping
Currently listening To:?Watch The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)
Something quirky about you that no one would know:??I?m Mr. Neat & Tidy and used to be extreme but I?m learning to chill out
Best personal feature and why:??My face…?I?m a fresh boy, and that?s my selling point? (in D?Prince?s voice) {laugh}
Three things you can’t live without:?Music, beautiful women, wine & books.Yes that?s four things {laugh}
Most memorable moment professionally:?Nokia ?Don’t Break The Beat? Tour.Had a blast
Most valuable life lesson:?As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he
Motto you live by:?All or nothing.No excuses
And there you have it, the talented Jay? Keyz! ?Check out his performance at a concert near you.
For more information, visit:?JAY? KEYZ
The Voix?is a creative platform that empowers the voices of global storytellers. For more information, visit: Thevoix.com.