J Boog: Nice to know you

One of the biggest songs in the country right now is without a doubt “Let’s Do It Again” by rising star J.Boog from Compton, California. The singer of Samoan descent has made a name for himself in the few years he has been around and seems destined for great things. He was in the country last week for charity and Buzz tracked him down.

Welcome to Kenya. What brings to you our shores?

Thank you. I am here as part of “Give Hope Africa” together with Gramps and Peetah Morgan, which is an organisation meant to help make a difference in the world especially to the needy people in this great continent. It is hard to save the world but if we all played a small part, we can help make a huge difference. This is my first time in Kenya and Africa and I love it to be honest.

So what are you focusing on?

Education. There are so many charities that deal with matters concerning food, shelter and other causes so we figured we should try and concentrate on education and we have been to several schools in Nairobi and Kisumu to see how we can help when we go back home. We brought books, candy, and we wish we came with more but we will be back and bring more as there’s a lot that can be done to help.

Did you see just how big your music is here?

It was amazing man. I had guys taking pictures of me from the airport and school kids singing my songs and I was humbled and really excited that people in Kenya have heard and loved my work.

You couldn’t squeeze in a concert for your fans?

First things first. I decided to come and see how I can help and then I will be back for a concert another day. Good deeds first and everything else follows.

Your song, “Let’s Do It Again” is about one night stands right?

Yes it is but it mostly talks about when people have a one night stand and then they discover they connect and would like to turn it into a relationship and want more. It is a familiar thing around the world.

Was it from personal experience?

It is something that many people experience across the world. It is going against the “one night stand” where it is supposed to be a no strings attached but let’s be honest, it happens to very many people.

Your sister got you into music right?

Yes. I was at four years of age and she loved playing on the piano and loved music. Then one day she played Bob Marley’s “Jamming” and I can say that was my turning point. I started singing everywhere and my family took notice and started encouraging me early on.

You sang Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time” in your first sought of public performance?

Haha! Yes. It was a family gathering and I was asked to sing and my mother and sister forced me to sing and I was so nervous but after I pulled it off, I knew this was it for me.

How did you start recording?

I had started recording small time at home and we travelled to Hawaii and met up with one of my favourite artistes, George “Fiji” Veikoso” and we hit it off immediately and started recording. I released my first album “Hear Me Roar” in 2007 and there’s no stopping.

Do you get confused with former B2K’s JBoog?

Yes I do but not as much because we both do totally different genre of music and we are both established in our rights. Big up to him for whatever he is currently doing. The ‘J’ is for Jerry and as a kid, I couldn’t sit still and people said I was always on the boogie.

Your new album was released last week?

Yes and I am excited that it dropped when I was in Kenya. It is called “Back Yard Boogie” and I have featured artistes like Gramps Morgan, Richie Spice, Tarrus Riley and Fiji and I cannot wait to have people experience it. “Let’s do it again” which is a major riddim which was recorded by Don Corleone is also in the album.

You had recorded a song with Snoop Dogg, is it in the album?

It unfortunately did not make it to the album but I will be releasing it as a single.

What next for you?

Right now, it is to promote my album and to keep recording and also do more charity work and make sure I help as many needy people as I can.

[email protected]