Aotearoa’s rising star, JessB, has been making waves far beyond the shores of New Zealand. With her debut album, Feels Like Home, she takes listeners on a journey that transcends physical borders and dives deep into the emotional and mental concept of home.
A talented and authoritative presence in the music scene, JessB blends her unique Kenyan heritage with contemporary sounds. She does this all while showcasing the nurturing yet fierce qualities of her cancer sign identity.
With a growing international fanbase and millions of streams, JessB is becoming a pivotal voice in music. Read on to learn more about JessB’s musical journey.
A Journey Through Identity and Sound
Feels Like Home isn’t just an album. Rather, it’s a sonic exploration of self-discovery, capturing the essence of JessB’s diasporic experience.
She has worked with various talented producers, such as Dera Meelan from Aotearoa and One El Beatz, IAMMX0, and Tuzi. This has enabled her to tap into the varied sounds of her roots, blending Afrobeats, dancehall, and electronic influences.
Her sharp, quick-witted rhymes reflect the strength and resilience of someone embracing their identity. Meanwhile, the album’s themes of home echo the soulful and personal tones that align with the R&B genre from which JessB often draws inspiration.
As part of her journey, JessB has brought together a community around her. She has achieved this by collaborating with global artists like Sister Nancy, Sampa The Great, and Kranium. She has also curated events that celebrate queer black nightlife through FILTH, a QTPOC club night she co-founded.
Like many artists, she understands that music is not just about personal expression. Rather, it’s also about creating spaces for others to feel seen and heard.
Embracing the Spirit of Collaboration
JessB’s musical style is heavily collaborative. For instance, you’ll notice guest appearances on Feels Like Home from notable names like dancehall legend Sister Nancy and rap powerhouse Sampa The Great.
This sense of collaboration mirrors how many artists within the R&B and soul scenes work together to elevate the genre and push boundaries. JessB’s collaboration with Saweetie and Doja Cat is further proof that her sound appeals to global audiences. In fact, her presence at international festivals such as SXSW and Laneway solidifies her growing influence.
Her music is deeply tied to the spirit of community, much like the ethos, where connection, emotion, and storytelling take center stage. JessB has the ability to combine different cultural influences and meld them into something unique and universally relatable. This is one of the traits that makes her a standout artist.
The Soulful Nature of Finding Home
For JessB, the concept of “home” goes beyond a physical place. It’s a feeling, a refuge, and a sanctuary found within oneself and one’s community. Her 2017 single “Soul Free” set the stage for this exploration.
Since then, her discography has continued to delve into themes of identity, belonging, and freedom. Much like the smooth yet powerful energy found in R&B, JessB’s music captures the essence of the soul—sensitive yet commanding.
On Feels Like Home, JessB reflects on her identity as a child of the diaspora. She uses her music as a vehicle to navigate the cultural intersections of her life. The album’s deep emotional resonance and rich production showcase the same sensitivity and depth often seen in R&B slow jams. This makes her music appealing to those who appreciate the emotional depth of the genre.
Looking to the Future
With over 20 million streams across her catalogue and recognition from tastemakers like Afropunk and NME, JessB is undoubtedly a force in the music industry. As she continues to tour and share her powerful live performances, she’s bringing a message of belonging, empowerment, and creativity. This is the sort of message that resonates with fans and beyond.
In the same way that soul music offers a form of refuge through its rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics, JessB’s music offers a sanctuary for anyone searching for their own sense of home. As she brings Feels Like Home to the world, it’s clear that JessB’s journey is just beginning. Her impact will only continue to grow.
JessB is a reminder that home is where the heart is. Her heart beats to the rhythm of soulful, genre-defying music that bridges communities and cultures.
Want to explore other soulful artists? Visit DLK Soul for exclusive insights and music recommendations and to join a community that celebrates the rhythm of soul and diaspora.