Artist of the Month: March 2024
Oyedamola Folajin (J Scope)
Hip Hop Artist and Performer
Hailing from Ukraine with Nigerian roots, J Scope is a versatile artist excelling in both Hip-Hop and vocal prowess. With a notable quarter-finalist position in Ukraine's National Eurovision song competition, he brings a unique blend of cultural influences to his music. J Scope's extensive stage experience includes performances on some of Ukraine's and Sweden's most significant stages, as well as various festivals. His music style, characterized by distinctive flows and a captivating delivery, has cultivated a substantial fanbase. Acknowledged for his ability to ignite any dancefloor, J Scope solidifies his status as a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. With an authentic blend of cultural richness and musical innovation, J Scope continues to leave an indelible mark on the international music landscape.
How do your Ukrainian roots and Nigerian heritage shape both the themes and sounds in your music, and in light of that, how would you describe the evolution of your artistic style from your early days in the church choir to your current pursuits in hip-hop and vocal performance?
J: Well, my journey in music has been quite a unique blend of my Nigerian roots and my experiences in Ukraine. I moved to Ukraine 16 years ago for education, but my musical inspiration traces back to Nigeria, where I grew up in a deeply religious family. We attended church three times a week, and that's where my early exposure to music began.
My father, a psychology veteran, initially frowned upon my interest in music, considering it taboo unless one had an 'evil mind.' However, I found my way into church activities, joining the choir with my siblings and attending rehearsals two to three times a week. Despite the initial resistance, music became an integral part of my life.
Upon moving to Ukraine for education in mining engineering, I continued pursuing music. I represented my university in Ukrainian music competitions and even had the honor of performing twice in the presence of the president. Balancing my father's dream of completing my education with my passion for music, I eventually earned my degree.
Transitioning into the Ukrainian music scene, I realized the significance of the country's musical education system. Every school, every music program had a deep understanding of the philosophy of sound, taste, smell, and emotion in music. I embraced this knowledge and connected with the Ukrainian audience through emotional fitness in my performances.
Moving to Canada marked a new chapter in my career, where I've continued to focus on selling emotions through my music.
The response from the audience has been overwhelming, with people expressing their appreciation for the emotional depth in my lyrics. This shift from being recognized for my English-language performances in Ukraine to now being appreciated for the emotional resonance in my music has been a rewarding journey.
One significant milestone in my artistic development was reaching the quarterfinals in a major music competition back in Ukraine. While I enjoyed a certain level of recognition and ease in the industry, moving to a new country meant starting over.
It's been a challenging yet intriguing experience, navigating the process of rebuilding and establishing myself in the Canadian music scene.
The contrast between the ease of recognition in Ukraine and the initial challenges in Canada has been a humbling experience. Starting afresh has allowed me to reflect on the growth in my artistic journey, appreciating the ability to reinvent myself and build on the foundation of my previous experiences. Despite the initial hurdles, I'm excited about the opportunity to continue growing and making meaningful connections through my music.
Sweden has been an incredible chapter in my musical journey. The atmosphere is just amazing, and the people are inventive, easy-going, and technologically advanced. Having been a part of one of the biggest digital shows there, I witnessed firsthand their expertise and seamless execution. The Swedish music scene is truly upgraded, and they certainly know what they are doing.
Being multilingual, speaking about six to five languages, I find it both challenging and fulfilling to immerse myself in different linguistic environments. Despite the mental exertion, I enjoy channeling more energy into languages, considering it an investment in my cultural currency and a way to showcase my diverse skill set.
I've had the opportunity to host almost five shows in Sweden, each contributing to my artistic growth. While the scale might not have been as immense as some experiences in Ukraine, it was still significant. The move to Canada brought a different dynamic. Here, the community might not be as extensive, but it's remarkably powerful. Everyone seems to know each other, creating a close-knit and supportive environment.
The transition has been nothing short of a blessing for me. In a smaller community, connections are more meaningful, and the sense of camaraderie is palpable.
It's been a refreshing and enriching experience, where every individual holds significance, making the Canadian chapter of my musical journey truly special.
What fuels your creative process, drawing inspiration from your life's journey, challenges, and the ever-changing world around you?
J: My inspiration and driving force in the creative process stem from the intricate tapestry of my life's journey. The experiences, challenges, and triumphs encountered along the way serve as a wellspring of creativity. The prospect of the future, with its unknown possibilities and untapped potential, fuels my artistic endeavors. Moreover, I draw inspiration from everything around me – the people, nature, and the ever-changing dynamics of the world. It's the amalgamation of personal growth, aspirations for the future, and the pulsating energy of the world that propels me forward in my creative pursuits. This amalgam becomes the heartbeat of my artistic expression, shaping the narratives and melodies that resonate within my work.
How has your artistic journey, influenced by personal growth, diverse cultures, and changing environments, shaped your music evolution? Specifically, how did living in Sweden and Canada impact your sound, and how did you navigate contrasting musical landscapes to craft a unique identity?
J: Absolutely, the evolution in my music has been a dynamic process influenced by personal growth, cultural experiences, and the ever-changing environments I find myself in. I have been reflecting on how various elements have played a significant role in shaping my artistic expression.
Living in different countries has exposed me to diverse cultures, personalities, and languages, impacting the way I create music. In Sweden, the prevalent musical vibe, dominated by rap and reggaeton, significantly influenced my sound. There, the emphasis on creating radio-friendly music became a driving force, shaping the tunes to align with what sells. On the contrary, in Edmonton, Canada, some songs that didn't gain much attention in Sweden, like 'Legacy,' became hits.
Navigating these contrasting landscapes was challenging, but I decided not to let past experiences weigh me down. Instead, I focused on extracting valuable lessons and used them to craft a new musical identity. For instance, in Ukraine, the underground rap scene was prominent, shaping my style to be more gritty and profound. In Sweden, I explored vocal trends, honing my skills in that dimension. And here in Canada, where the rap industry demands a different approach, I've delved into competitions to elevate my game.
I draw inspiration from what resonates with me and my experiences, crafting a unique blend that reflects my artistic journey.
Over the years, my music has become a fusion of various genres like jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and more. My writing process has also evolved; while I used to meditate on instrumentals and send melodies to a beat maker, now I prefer collaborating directly with producers. Creating everything from scratch in the same room allows for a more organic and challenging process.
The overarching theme in my journey is the commitment to meaningful messages in my music. I believe in the power of storytelling and allowing my experiences to become integral parts of my artistic narrative.
It's about embracing the journey, learning from it, and letting it enhance the authenticity and richness of my artistry.
How do you navigate the pressure to reinvent your music, actively pursue opportunities, and establish yourself as a full-time artist? And, how do you see challenges as integral opportunities for growth in your artistic journey?
J: Reflecting on my artistic journey, a significant hurdle emerged during my time in Ukraine, despite gracing some of the biggest stages and sharing platforms with a former president. The challenge lay in the constant pressure to reinvent my music – a common struggle for artists fearing stagnation in the 'old and tried' while striving for freshness.
To overcome this, I consciously avoided letting artistic ego impede my progress. Instead, I embraced the responsibility of an artist, focusing on what brought me joy and resonated authentically with my audience. This journey required active pursuit, reaching out to resources like Alberta Music and the Edmonton Arts Council, and aggressively chasing festival and producer leads.
Refining my musical style wasn't the sole challenge; navigating industry complexities was equally daunting. Language barriers added difficulty, emphasizing the importance of effective communication. Challenges like form-filling or demonstrating my singing ability were approached as stepping stones, not setbacks.
Ongoing challenges include establishing my name in the industry as a full-time artist – a gradual process appreciated on platforms like this interview, offering an opportunity to share my voice, story, and music with a broader audience. Building a name is a time-consuming endeavor, and each bit of support or attention is invaluable.
In essence, challenges are inherent in the artistic journey, viewed not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth.
The ultimate goal is to network across all aspects of life, extending beyond the music industry, and to perpetually evolve as an artist.
How has ICAI supported your artistic journey, and can you highlight specific moments or connections that influenced your determination and creative direction?
J: I first learned about ICAI through word of mouth and online communities dedicated to artists. Joining this community has been a transformative experience for my artistic growth. Interacting with a diverse and talented group of individuals within ICAI has exposed me to a multitude of perspectives and styles, significantly impacting my musical influence.
The collaborative nature of ICAI has facilitated meaningful connections, allowing me to learn from the experiences and insights of fellow artists. Whether through shared knowledge, collaborative projects, or simply engaging conversations, the community has become a rich source of inspiration for my creative endeavors. The collective energy and support within ICAI have played a crucial role in shaping my artistic path, and I am grateful for the impact it has had on my journey so far.
Additionally, how do you foresee these opportunities contributing to expanding your presence and sharing your voice, particularly amid the challenges of rebuilding in a new environment?
J: Being selected as the Artist of the Month is a surprising and incredible honour. This recognition serves as strong motivation, confirming that I'm on the right path in my artistic journey. It instils a renewed determination and assures me that it's too early to give up. The acknowledgment of my work encourages me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring my creative potential. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to use it as a stepping stone to further elevate my artistry.
When I learned about my involvement with CKUA Radio, I was genuinely thrilled. I used to have my own radio program back in Ukraine, so this is a chance to get my voice out there, sharing my story to uplift and connect with people. I value anything related to teamwork and the exchange of knowledge, making it vital to capture the attention of radio stations. The connection with the radio station adds another layer of opportunity and visibility. This recognition enhances my resume and contributes to the ongoing journey, aligning with my goal to expand my presence and share my voice.
Last year, I had 15 shows in Edmonton, and my plan is to double that this year, aiming for 30 shows.
I also aspire to participate in festivals, especially in Calgary, where the music scene is more aggressive and modernized. These opportunities hold immense significance for me, considering that most of my Ukrainian connections have diminished. Rebuilding in a new environment is challenging, but the support and recognition received here have been a source of hope and encouragement. It's a fresh start, and I'm grateful for the momentum and positive energy it brings to my journey.
Can you share insights about your current projects and highlights? Looking forward, what trajectory do you envision for your artistic journey, and are there specific milestones or long-term aspirations that hold special significance for you?
J: I'm currently working on several tracks and promotions, with plans to release them in the next couple of months, possibly around my birthday. There's a potential for it to be an EP, like a mini album, and I have three or four singles in the pipeline as well. In these recordings, I'm blending different influences and drawing from my library to create a unique sound.
This project is particularly significant as it marks my first independent release since moving here, and people are eagerly anticipating it.
The feedback will give me insight into how my sound is resonating, especially since my last release was while I was still in Europe. This project is a culmination of my experiences and growth, and I'm excited to see how it unfolds.
Do you have any words of advice to pass down to the creative community in Alberta?
J: For an artist, the studio should feel like a second home. Currently, I'm immersed in crafting various experimental sounds that may find their way into a mini album or singles. My approach to writing music has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, influenced by a multitude of factors, including the profound journey of parenthood. These life experiences have reshaped the way I approach my creative process.
Nowadays, my writing process involves being more open-minded, attuned to the signs in the air and the sounds of the moment. This shift allows me to extract the unique essence from each piece of music. My advice to fellow artists is to stand their ground, play their game in the right way, and remain true to themselves. Authenticity in the artistic journey is key, and as the saying goes, what goes around comes around. So, I encourage everyone to align their minds and bodies with their creative truth.
