Jesse Jagz is known for his passionate, more technical approach to rap. This project in many ways embodies that mantra. Jesse has been somewhat missing from the music scene, with his last project “Odysseus” being released in 2017. On GARBA Jesse seems to have found that golden pen game and art of storytelling that once endeared him to the Nigerian industry.
With the smoothest and most undiluted of introductions, Jesse Jagz welcomes us to his 2020 project GARBA. The 5-song project has its songs named G, A, R, B, A. Spelling out the title of the project. The intro begins with an insightful spoken word recitation, providing a culminating genesis for this body of work. Jagz paints pictures and scenes with his bars all through this project. Telling stories while also portraying personal insights into his thoughts. Bars ranging from putting on his city — Jos (J-town), to personal struggles, to police brutality, to family dilemmas, to an over overindulgent personality. Jesse reveals a plethora of tales and emotions on this project. On the second track “A” he talks about his prominent influence on J-town. Citing himself as one of the city’s pioneers. Tactfully delivering bars infused with self-praise – “now when J drops, J-town stops” “I am J-town’s Tupac Shakur”. He skillfully flows between societal vices and the numerous plagues Nigeria faces as a nation while maintaining a poetic cadence. “B” was dropped as the only single off the project. It gave fans a glance of the way Jesse Jagz was coming on this project. A clear indication of his loyalty to the art of rap with insightful and precise bars. The final track on the project is “A.” It is a befitting end for this body of work. Jesse Jagz sings rather huskily but with a clear message – the value of life, money and love. On the first line of the song, Jesse Jagz sings passionately “Life is the greatest thing, but money is the next best thing”. He talks deeply about humans constantly craving money. Also speaking on the influence of the media on what you think you want or need.
Rap music in the Nigerian industry is on the way to get the due recognition it deserves, but we are still some way out. When the due recognition is given to rap music in Nigeria, Jesse Jagz would be remembered as one of its valiant soldiers and in someway it’s savior.
Standout tracks include G ft Anchorman, A & A.
Rating 7.2
