Fairly new on the scenes, singer-songwriter Joby Jay is feeling “proud” as she was recently named JaRIA’s Breakthrough Artiste of the Year. She is known for the single Big Girl Ting, which is more than a saying for the singer. It is a lifestyle and a movement, she said, and her way of encouraging females – young and old – to be who they are unapologetically and love themselves enough to demand their worth.

The soulful and eccentric entertainer, who hails from the community of Old Buckfield in St Ann, became a favourite of many reggae-soul music lovers during the pandemic and she is primed to make an even greater impact as she continues to advocate, through her music, the importance of self-love and self-respect as well the value of curating a space. Her other singles Queen, Proud and Mood have helped her to reach a niche audience as she carefully plans her emergence on to the local and international scene.

“And I think it’s working,” Joby Jay said of her strategy, in an interview with The Gleaner, following the JaRIA Honour Awards last Sunday. “My team and I like to be intentional with what we do so we are always working from a plan. Life happens, so things don’t always work out, but we know how to pivot when necessary. Last year didn’t go as planned but the plan for this year is to make it up.”

She’s graced the stages of Kingston Creative, UNcover, Harry J Couch Series, Seani B (BBC1Xtra) International Women’s Day Cypher performing live and one thing that remains consistent, other than her hitting the right notes, is her style. She loves a tailored suit and loves to play around with different variations of the style.

Joby Jay sees herself pursuing the sounds of reggae music with a fondness for genres like jazz and Afrobeats, among others. She continues to sing, “my existence is a celebration, I doh care about who be hating” loudly and proudly she says, and urges every person who has ever felt self-doubt to treat outside validation “as a plus”.

“I’ve been taking note of how I’ve grown in terms of how I emotionally respond to things that don’t work out as planned, especially as it relates to music. I started off the year with Proud for a reason – for positive energy to push me to go after my dreams and goals,” said Joby Jay. See what else she has to share in this week’s Five Questions with…

1. What about this breakthrough year has been significant for you in terms of your personal and professional growth?

When I look at my journey as an artiste, what stands out for me is that I can see myself coming into my own more and more. I’m more confident and sure of myself, my voice and what I have to offer. I’m still learning a lot as I go, but I can definitely see growth. I’m learning to be more present, loosen up, and not be so hard on myself, so when I show up, I just want my personality to shine through. Because I think I have a very colourful personality. I’m very grateful and humbled to receive the award. I really did not expect to win but I think this award is a huge achievement for my musical journey.

2. People were questioning how an active board member could receive the award … what’s your response to persons that want to contest your win?

Naturally, people will question, and that’s fine, but I think my work and efforts speak for themselves so I’m not focusing on clearing up any questions.

3. Your music is different from the other entertainers nominated for the award, most of whom are primarily dancehall acts. Did you feel intimidated in any way or as though you had to campaign harder for votes?

I was definitely intimidated. These artistes have a significantly larger fan base and reach than I do. At first I was even wondering if I was worthy of being in the same category as them, but with loving reassurance from my team, I stopped focusing on the ‘numbers’ and remembered all the work I’ve put in, and the success I’ve had, in the two-year timespan of being in the industry. I’m truly honoured to have been named in the same category with Yaksta, Skillibeng, Nation Boss, Moyann and D’Yani.

4. Who is one dancehall, jazz, reggae or soul icon you would love to hold a reasoning with and why?

I would really love to have a sit-down conversation with Nina Simone. I would really love to hear about her experience navigating the industry in the time that she did, as a black woman. Nina was a rebel with a cause, and I’m inspired by that.

5. Is there a hardcore dancehall deejay you’d like to record with, and what’s the idea you have for the song and the process of recording it?

I love Teejay!!! I love his voice and I think he has a beautiful tone. I would love to do something with him. Not sure what the vibe would be yet, but I’d definitely want to work with him.

Brawta: What’s your favourite movie/TV series that you watch over and over?

I’m really not a TV/series person. I have to remind myself to use my Netflix subscription. I mostly watch YouTube videos. I’m really enjoying the Jamaican vloggers, like Rushcam, Tami Chynn and Wayne Marshall and Dutty Berry, to name a few.