Jay Em are the face of ‘new school’ music in South Africa. Waven and Ruwayne are brothers from the Eastern Cape and with their hometown, Port Elizabeth, on their sleeves they create these sick grooves that transform any setting into a dance floor. Their music is rooted in funk, soul, hip hop and downtempo but when you hear their music you begin to understand that they are creating a genre all of their own. 

Just a year ago they were living in ‘die dal’ (the hood), working in a Clicks, trying to make ends meet to support their hard working mother who has been carrying the household since school days. After the passing of their best friend Neelan Munnick, Hitmaker of well known song J’Adore (otherwise known as Four7) they became driven to see a change in their lives though. While having the love for music and wanting to make it in the industry, they want to use the platform to inspire people from their hometown, motivate them and especially the area they grew up in (The Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth)

They started making beats from their bedroom in their mother's house using an old laptop and a DVD player, not having any knowledge back then of the art of “mixing & mastering”, they mastered the skill of using their ears to their advantage.

A pinnacle point in the brothers’ career came about when record label owner and one of South Africa’s finest selectors, Kid Fonque, from Stay True Sounds released “The September Blueprint”, a four track EP produced by the DJ duo. Through this release many doors began to open and a highlight for the brothers was getting to play a DJ mix on 5FM on Selective Styles which created a huge amount hype on social media and interest began to swell.

Jay Em entered a competition held by South African music giants, Mi Casa, to remix their hit single, Nana. Their remix was unapologetically themselves and without caving into the pressures of current musical trends they managed to win the remix  competition which opened even more doors for the brothers. Winning this competition saw them co-producing with Mi Casa for the upcoming project ‘WE MADE IT’ which, for the DJ duo, is an extremely exciting prospect.

Jay Em got taken under the wings of heavy weight musician J’Something who moved them into his house, built them a fully equipped studio & mentors them. Not only did they connect musically but their bond has grown into a brotherly love, as Jay Em calls him their big brother. December of 2018 Jay Em released their debut EP “The 011” on J’Something Label called “The Beat Club” which featured artist from Johannesburg and J’Something himself. The EP was to thank the city of Johannesburg for welcoming their unique sound into the city of gold.

“I got introduced to them through Kid Fonque and I was blown away by their unique sound and something in me told me that these guys deserved to be known. I was not only blown away by their music but equally blown away by their humility, their love and appreciation for their mother, and their pride for their city, Port Elizabeth. I am going to do whatever it takes to ensure that South Africa hears about Jay Em.” - J’Something lead singer of Mi Casa


For Bookings : wearejayem@gmail.com

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