Jamz Supernova is the radio rising star shining the light on hot, new talent. The South-East London-based DJ started her journey on the airwaves when she was selected to be part of 1Xtra’s development programme ‘Xtra Talent’. Impressed with her work, the station quickly gave her a regular slot and she’s been unstoppable ever since. With DJ slots at major festivals including Bestival, Lovebox and Glastonbury, it’s evident that she’s well on her way to being a staple in the BBC radio line-up.
As we round off a pretty horrendous year, Jamz gives us something to look forward to as she handpicks her key music players for 2017. Here’s what she had to say.
“What a fantastic year of music. It’s been my first year on national radio being able to support up & coming new artists from around the world! Whilst the music industry adapts to the ever changing digital world & artists realise the power of having a DIY attitude, in some ways it’s never been easier to discover brand new artists but also harder to shift through the high volumes of artists breaking through! For the sounds I represent from Future R&B through to electronic, there has been an abundance of new artists which have left me excited! Here are a few of my tips for 2017, artists who have laid great foundations and have the ability to create ground breaking music in the next year to come.”
Kamau
A New York living hippie whose music sounds fun but has a poignant message on social issues. I first heard of him when he reinterpreted Outkast’s “Hey Ya”. He followed up with a stellar EP “A Gorgeous Fortune” with marked him out as one to watch! His live performances are pure energy & with another EP on the way scheduled for early 2017 the future is looking bright for Kamau!
Alyss
I first heard Alyss’ warm vocals a few years back when she teamed up with Chloe Martini. I was instantly drawn to her tone & songwriting. Since then she’s signed to PMR & has two EP’s under her belt. Both as brilliant as the last!! Her choice of production makes her stand out from the pack & I love how openly spiritual she is. A little bit of positivity never hurt anyone!
6LACK
6LACK is a front runner of the new wave artists who rap & sing, who can comfortably straddle both worlds of Hip Hop & R&B. Hailing from Atlanta, he had a viral moment with his record “PRBLMS” which racked up a tidy 5 million plays online. He then followed that up with an equally impressive mini album “Free 6LACK” which is a great introduction to him as an artist. Also his grainy black & white videos make for some wavey viewing! Fans of Bryson Tiller & Tory Lanez just found a new boo!
Murder He Wrote
A massive thank you to the legendary producer Roska for putting me on to this Gem of an artist! I’m always looking for rowdy club bangers & Murder He Wrote has been my go-to this summer! Every production see’s him push the boundaries of electronic music. I’m looking forward to hearing where he goes next.
Charlotte Day Wilson
Sometimes all you need is pure soul music no thrills! Toronto based artist Charlotte provides just that. Her voice instantly stands out & her dreamy sound have put her in good stead! Her debut project “CDW” came out this year & when we spoke on the phone she mentioned she was in LA working with ‘some legends’ whilst she didn’t reveal who, I for one am excited!
Tunji Ige
Tunji Ige is a rapper from Philadelphia. His cheeky word play & versatility have seen him become the go to for electronic producers such as Whats So Not & Star Slinger who need that hip hop edge. If his project “Missed Call” is an indicator of what else he has in store, I’m so ready for a full length project!
Bonzai
If I was an artist I’d want to sound just like Bonzai! She’s effortlessly cool, fusing industrial hard hitting club sounds with soft R&B reminiscent of the early 2000’s. There is no one who sounds like this Dublin born young lady & that’s what draws me to her. Each of her 3 EP’s adds a new layer of what Bonzai can achieve. Can’t wait for her to smash 2017!
Conducta
The last 18 months have been a year of resurgence! Specifically in club land watching your favorite Garage DJ’s! But few new producers have broken through with the ability to create the authentic sound we feel so nostalgic about but push the sound forward in a 2016 style and fashion. Conducta has proved he can do just that. He’s flying the Garage flag & flying it well!
Yellow Days
Yellow Days jumped on my radar slightly later then the rest of my tips, but his EP “Harmless Melodies” have secured him as a fave! His weathered soulful voice and song structure could have him mistaken for an accomplished mature artist! He is in fact only 17 years old. I look forward to seeing how he grows over the coming months!
Sente
Formally one half of SYV. Sente is the mysterious solo project of a young male producer living in East London. Despite having only one track online, it’s an absolute banger! I’ve played it in every one of my sets and it sounds so fresh. So I’ll happily jump the gun here and put Sente forward as a producer set to smash 2017.
Catch Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1Xtra on Tuesdays at 10pm and weekends from 1pm.