5 Questions with Teejay

There are only a handful of artistes in the dancehall space who have transcended the borders of Jamaica, and established themselves among the global standards of entertainment. With that in mind, it’s no wonder Timoy Jones, more commonly known as Teejay, is drifting with joy around the world.

Born and raised in the gritty streets of Glendevon in Montego Bay, St James, Teejay could have easily become another statistic, given the area’s often talked about levels of crime. But thanks to the influence of a whole family of musicians, and his own perseverance, Teejay was able to fulfil the dream he’s had for as long as he can remember.

With hit songs under his belt like Up Top Boss and From Rags to Riches, Teejay has long been crafting a legacy for himself in the streets.

But, it was the input of his mentor, reggae icon Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell, and the direction of the indomitable team of Sharon Burke and Judith Bodley that helped turn him to the international success he is today.

It has been quite a journey for the entertainer, so Five Questions With… caught up with him to hear all about it.

1. You were born and raised in St James, Glendevon to be exact. But these days you are performing all over the world. What has that experience been like for you?

It’s been a wonderful experience. This has been my dream; I’ve always wanted to be an artiste. I’ve put in the work and just keep growing, growing, and growing. So to know wi finally reach? It’s a wonderful feeling.

2. Drift has become a global success. Do you feel a lot of pressure from people saying that it’s time to find the next big hit?

The people who understand music know that music takes time to go where it’s supposed to go. And, in order to even get dancehall numbers back to global standards, because we culture big and people love it, we have to promote it. So people who know music, and know dancehall music know that Drift just start, and those are the people who I have around me and who I listen to. I have an album coming now that is going to try for even bigger songs, so I don’t feel any way with anyone talking. I have the real people giving me the support in my corner. And the reality of it, it is a testament to show people that it only takes one song – just one.

3. In June of last year, you signed to Warner Music Group. What has that experience been like?

For dancehall to get back to its glory days, we need labels to come and sign the artistes and give them that push to the world, and show people that good music is in the world. In order for us to reach farther, we need to get dancehall supporters to mobilise. Get moving and support the music. Things and times have changed, and now there is a lot more ways you can do that. Learn how to subscribe to Apple Music and Spotify and listen to the music. It is the only way we gonna get out music back on top of the market.

4. What was the experience like working on your upcoming album ‘I Am Chippy’?

It was a long process, honestly. It took me a long while, but, it is fully complete now. It is just hard work, sweat and tears in this album. It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to Team Teejay. So we just going to put in the work and try to get it to the number one Billboard Reggae Album in the world.

5. Is there anything you want to say to your fans, fellow artistes and, by extension, Jamaica for the year 2024?

“To all my fans, please stay positive. Out a road things tough and rough, but remember a positivity do this. And please remember to buy the ‘I am Chippy’ EP. To the artiste them, all a we inna this together, enuh. One thing I wanna mention is that I am nothing without Team Teejay. So big up Shaggy and big up IMC [Island Music Conference]. IMC is like a collection of industry experts coming together to grow and build together. You have people from all over – producer, social media people, managers and everybody looking fi help you. A nuff tings me go and learn. So everybody invited to IMC this year.

kenrick.morgan@gleanerjm.com