N: Is it still so black and white or is everything now a little in-between?
J: It’s still black and white. It’s getting better as black culture is now pop culture, e.g. Kim Kardashian rocking ‘boxer braids’ when black, afro girls have been wearing their hair this way since the dawn of time.
N: A lot of your lyrics go about describing the struggles of being of African decent living in Australia. Do you think it is something people should be more aware of?
J: I think it’s something I would like to make people more aware of, and other African or mixed race people know that their experiences growing up in Australia are not uncommon.
N: Would you say your identity is the cornerstone of your music?
J: My identity...or search for future identity definitely reflects in my music, I guess it makes me more of an individual.
N: Do you think hip-hop and rap groups such as Bliss & Esso are more successful because they represent the classic stereotypes of Aussies (something people can relate to)?
J: Bliss n Esso do well because they are talented, they work hard and they just are themselves. The cream on the cake is that that a majority of the nation's youth and fans of "Aussie hip-hop" can identify and relate to their story and their identity. Whereas, with me...there's a bit more spice which people still need time to warm up to.
N: That makes sense.
"Like them, I am myself and I can't be them I can only do me."
N: Do you envy them (rappers like that)?
J: Not really. Like them, I am myself and I can't be them I can only do me. We might have a gap in fan base at the moment but the way people in Australia relate to them, people on an international level might relate to me the same way. Who knows, I’ve just got to be confident in what I’m doing right now.
N: Do you feel pulled toward multiple worlds in life especially when it comes to important decision making?
J: For sure. Every now and then I debate whether I should continue to make my life here with my girlfriend (who is also bi-racial and West African) or if we should find our roots again in my Nigerian hometown. There is also that parental influence who are trying to tell you to go down two different roads. It can be confusing and overwhelming at times.
N: Is there anything that constantly reminds you that you’re not completely in place here?
J: My bank account balance hahaha
N: We all know that struggle! So then is there anything that reminds you that you are perfectly fit to be here where you are right now as a mixed-race male?
J: I am where I am right now for what I've done up until this point. So my own goals are one thing. It's also keeping photos of my younger years which constantly remind me that it is these past experiences and encounters that have made me. It wasn't all for nothing and it all combines into one definite me. That is why I know who I am. If that makes any sense.
N: Do you think you would have the same sentiment if you had grown up in another country?
J: It's hard to say, I’m a big believer that your surroundings and upbringing play a big role in the person you become. For example, if I were born into money, I would definitely not be as ambitious or driven.
N: Do you think that being bi-racial more of a benefit (best of both worlds) or a burden in Australia’s current time?
J: I think it’s a benefit. I never used to think this way, but now I know it’s a tool if you use it to its maximum potential. I find I’m fortunate to be able to relate, mingle and interact with people of any culture or background. Having ancestry from both sides of the spectrum and growing up in rural NSW, Nigeria and Sydney’s south-west contributed to this.
N: You mentioned before about having thoughts of possibly making a living in Africa. Are you familiar enough with your Nigerian culture that you could make a comfortable life there?
J: I’m confident that at an age I wish to retire, I could be comfortable to do that there.
N: What aspects keep you anchored to staying in Australia and calling it home?
J: My family & friends are here, my career is based here and I know it so well. For now, living in Sydney...it’s a comfortable place to be...I like that familiarity.
N: Thanks for chatting with me!