Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine JayDavi Davis.
Hi Jasmine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The first time my friends heard me sing was in 9th grade. Once everyone knew I began to study choir and performed at every assembly at high school. I began singing with local rap groups after high school. When I was 20 years old, I moved to Los Angeles with my dad. After auditioning for shows and singing at numerous open mics and karaoke spots, my career in music took a backseat to anxiety, college, marriage, and everyday life. My dream of being a recording artist was over. It wasn’t until I went through a painful divorce that I got a paid gig to sing at a church. It happened randomly but singing at the church opened my eyes and once in my life I was happy at work. I enjoyed rehearsals and looked forward to making people feel something from my voice alone. After one year of working, I was given a ticket to a DJ Quik concert. I was excited to attend. After about two songs into the set, one of Quik’s hype men handed me the mic, and I took over the show. I had never been so comfortable on stage. I began recording with the popular West Coast Hip Hop artist, and his belief in me lead me to write lyrics and release original music. I am currently the host of Independent Artist Connects live showcase and I have over 30,000 streams on Spotify. While I understand that number is small, this is a journey I took all alone. No help from my family or friends. No one shows up to my live shows, but I kept moving forward. Today I have the opportunity to work with a major management company and record a professional album. I no longer afraid to pursue my dreams. I currently don’t have a job and move day to day as an artist/gig worker. I am unsure what the future holds but every day I learn more about my journey and locate the members of my tribe who encourage me to win!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The day I was discovered at the concert in August of 2018, the pandemic slowed down my progress. Throughout my journey towards my life’s purpose, I have lost family and friends. My family refuses to support my journey and has passive-aggressively been absent for dozens of my shows. Some friends are only interested in meeting DJ Quik, and not coming to the studio with me to watch and encourage. The challenges of a women, over 40, trying to simply get in the room has been hard. As I become more vulnerable and show the world who I am through social media, doors have begun to open. People in many areas of media and music have reached out to learn more about my journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an independent recording artist with music streaming on all platforms globally. I am known for singing “hooks” on West Coast hip-hop music, but I have decided to pursue a career in R&B music as a solo artist. I am most proud of my first single I wrote in quarantine “Easy” streamed over 20,000 on Spotify. What set me apart is my ability to make the crowd feel something. When I sing karaoke no one is talking while I have the mic in my hand.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In all my interactions in the music industry, I have little to no communications with women. The music industry is dominated by men. In some cases, sexual favors have been implied in countless situations. I have had to take many precautions when working in recording studios which involve always bringing my close girlfriend with me and making sure people know where I will be. I make sure I am never alone with someone I don’t feel comfortable with and set expectations on initial meet up. All in all, I will not stop pursuing my life’s purpose since I have no doubt I am destined to work in music and media.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thecultureisblack.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaydaviofficial/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/Hqv1Us8uKSU
