When an artiste bears a name as sleek and cool as JesseJames, it brings a burden of expectation on the music they put out, doesn’t it? People expect music that has a silky smoothness to it, both in terms of sound and vocals. Potential listeners expect melodies and lyrics easy on the ears, mind, and feet. Such expectations might weigh on many artists, but it becomes less of a problem when you have a natural talent and a burning passion for the sacred craft of making music. And it’s on the basis of that premise that JesseJames confidently stakes his claim to the coveted promised land of superstardom.
Born Praise Chukwuemeka Ubadike, a childhood hobby that dates back to 2010 became a serious profession in 2018 as he approached the tail end of his university education. Mixing the pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering with one in music is no easy feat, and that’s perhaps why his discography was limited to the release of the reggae-pop song “Let Them Know” for a couple of years. He eventually graduated from Covenant University in 2019, and with time now on his hands, he got down to the work of chasing his childhood dreams immediately.
He announced his return to the scene on April 13, 2020, with another reggae joint titled “The Don”, and he quickly followed up with “The Matter” and “So So” before that year rounded up. “In The Stars” was his only release of 2021 but he had a number of notable feature verses across the calendar year. Each song JesseJames appeared on proved to be a jigsaw piece that added up to a final image that showcases versatility and range. The man displayed a knack for different sounds – Afrofusion, Electronic Dance Music, R&B, and even trap – and an ability to vary his musical style on each sound. His profile also grew steadily in that time, earning shows in the entertainment capital Lagos and other parts of the country.
Now in 2022, JesseJames has dropped his first single of the year and this track is perhaps the one that best summarises what the young artist is all about. Soft and tender vocals with a mature lyricism are the order of the day on “All Or Nothing”. He demands to be loved completely or left alone on this mid-tempo Afrofusion instrumental. Early feedback indicates an acceptance of his musical offering by fans and critics, and the track has even been added to the Future Sounds playlist curated by Pulse Nigeria. JesseJames is still very much a work in progress, but “All Or Nothing” shows the level of progress that’s already been made is on the high side. Stream the new single on all digital platforms and explore his page to get the best of JesseJames thus far.
