University student Jaddon juggles music and books

Although he is in his final year at the University of the West Indies pursuing a degree in civil engineering, artist Jaddon has his sights set on a sustainable career in music.

The 21-year-old, who hails from the Spanish city of St Catherine, has made a name for herself on the social media platform TikTok with freestyles like Sovereign, Man Gon Live it, all black, And Luggage, his latest single released on the Widow Wedde rhythm of God Floww.

“I started this journey in music right before COVID. In 2019 a friend of mine, Tishane, went to Three Keys studio where we recorded our first song (Vibe on this). We went back to school where we designed the album covers and got feedback from our peers. But then COVID came along and slowed things down a little bit,” Jaddon told the newspaper Jamaican observer on weekends.

Jaddon, a former Campion College student, says he can balance both school and music.

“Planning is important in everything. I have leadership roles on campus. One day I was reasoning with a lady at a workshop and she suggested a schedule that I applied to visualize what I need to do. I want this degree as a second option,” Jaddon explained.

The rising dancehall artiste is optimistic about carving his own path in the dancehall scene with his unique music style. His music, a mix of influences from Masicka, Frank Ocean and Alkaline, is a testament to his raw talent in lyricism, as evidenced by his standout track, Completely black.

“I draw inspiration from other genres and not necessarily from the artists. I take everything from everyone’s creation and apply,” he said.

He makes a list Day or night as his favorite song he has recorded to date.

“It’s a motivational song recorded at a time around trauma. I felt I had to talk about it. When you listen to the song, you get the full message,” the artist shared.

Jaddon, who plays instruments including drums and keyboard (he learned music theory and started writing songs in high school at age 15), prefers instrumental rhythms compared to computerized beats.

He said: “I feel like the bands are still angry because I recently did the first live band show and it was my best gig yet. I played instruments as a child, and I feel like I understand the elements better that way. But wah gwaan is crazy in the same way now. Modern dancehall and trap dancehall, what people are doing these days is crazy.”

However, Jaddon is concerned about the direction the local music scene is taking.

“I feel like the guy still sings more of the girls’ songs. The feeling of going to a party again and just ‘chopping’ music. I get into music because I have friends who make them. Another thing: the guy needs to rehearse more so you can have that engagement live with the audience,” Jaddon reasoned.

MXT, Carter, Mercury, Jubba and Kryptic are some of the emerging producers Jaddon has collaborated with in recent months.

His family, he says, supports his musical endeavors.

“When I share the bookings (play dates) with them, I also share the figures. I pass on information from school to both my parents. My father is in a similar industry. They know I am passionate about music, and they are very supportive,” said Jaddon.