Meet DJ Jahmai “JamFu” Jones — International DJ & Hip-Hop Producer
Purveyor of hard-hitting, infectious Hip Hop grooves and beats.
Aided by an upbringing in a very musically-influenced home, Jahmai JamFu’s emotive musical selections are his own therapy. Jam Fu’s musical journey began after learning how to breakdance at the age of 15, he soon found himself digging for breaks and Hip-Hop vinyl music at local record stores in Birmingham and London. JamFu’s go to stores being Eldica Records in Dalston London and Vinyl & Music Exchange in Chinatown, Birmingham. Having spent many years playing at all of the major local night clubs (alongside local hard-hitters and national acts alike) holding multiple residencies, DJing special events and promoting his own shows. After a few years of DJ’ing in nightclubs and special events, JamFu attended the prestigious “University of London” to study Music Production & Music Technology attending the same class as Jay Prince. During his studies in London, JamFu built a reputation for himself and due to his connections to the Underground Hip Hop scene, he became known on an international level on the Bboy circuit for years spinning for many known international events such as RedBull BC One UK, UK Bboy Championships & World Bboy Classic.
Fast forward to a few years, and after going to University, Jam Fu took on a 6-month DJ Residency at Club Tramps on the Canary Island of Tenerife in Spain, he moved onto playing in various other venues on the infamous Playa De Las Americas strip and also at Kaluna Beach Club. Hear he gained valuable insight into the clubbing and commercial world of DJing.
When Jam Fu is not out in venues performing live, he is constantly producing music and perfecting his sound in the studio. His mixtapes on Soundcloud have garnered over 100,000 plays and now he intends to make a similar impact on YouTube.
I also recently sat down with JamFu for an interview about his hip-hop journey. Here’s what we spoke about;
How did you first get into producing & DJing?
“I first got into production when I started experimenting making Breakbeats for dancers. My first drum machine was an Akai MPC 2000, the incredibly old school predecessor to the 2000 XL which J Dilla is famous for using in the 90s. Some of my first beats were made on that machine using floppy drives. Even though there were more advanced drum machines available at the time I wanted to try and learn how to produce beats the same way as some of the producers I was inspired by, I believe this is what has kept me in the game for so long, because I understand what it takes to craft good music and have stayed persistent with my methods of making music, although most people only care about the end product, I feel that as a producer it is good to have many skillsets that you can utilise and it helps to stay creative once you’re in the studio. After getting the hang off the MPC 2000, I upgraded to the Akai MPC 1000 which is much smaller device and can hold a lot more memory, shortly afterwards I started using Logic Pro X software to make beats on my MacBook Pro. Once I gained enough experience with a DAW, I stayed with that for a couple of years whilst I was travelling and DJing. Now I use FL Studio 20 to make my music. As for DJing, it pretty much came across to me in the same way that producing did. Both crafts go hand in hand, I’ve spent a lot of time building up my skillset in both areas and I’m proud my creative skills have allowed me to see as much of the world as I have already.”
How does it feel knowing that you travel the world doing what you love? What would you tell yourself if you were just starting out in the DJ / producer scene?
“Still to this day it feels unimaginable, if you had asked my younger self if I expected to achieve the things I have and seen parts of the world I would not believe you then haha.
I would tell myself to be a lot more patient and enjoy the process more, also to tell myself that there is no pressure either. I would also tell myself to find mentors, people with experience and knowledge to show you the ropes.”
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
“In the next 5 years I would like to see myself working more professionally with artists in my local area of Birmingham and internationally. I would also like to see myself touring with an artist as their warm-up DJ for concerts and events. This has been my dream for a long time, I have a long list of artists I want to work with. I also enjoy teaching and would like to one day have an academy, teaching Hip Hop music production the next generation of superstar beatmakers & DJs.”
Interested in connecting with JamFu? Follow and connect with Jam Fu via Instagram, YouTube, Soundcloud , Bandcamp or shoot him an email today.
