Best of both worlds with GMP

He refers to himself as an extrovert who has a soft spot for music whether he’s the one leading with the mic or the one behind the scenes producing. Yes, I’m referring to Jeiyo, the master behind many of GMP’s great beats that you slaiza and jaive to. He has always wanted to be a GMP artist as early as a Grade 10 learner and today his dream has indeed come true.
Jeiyo says the obsession to be part of the GMP crew started way back when. “I don’t want to sound clichéd or anything but if one really pushes for their goal no doubt they will reach it,” said the young producer. Jeiyo got closer to pursuing his dream when he came to Windhoek for tertiary education. “I was just an associate. As from 2010 I would send Gazza some beats and he would tell me where to retouch. In 2012 I sent him some really good stuff that impressed him and from there he called me in for a meeting and he told me he wanted to make it official. We are still in business until today,” said Jeiyo proudly. His first touches on Gazza’s music was on his Boss album on the songs Muthupi and Natunukeni. As the Gazza’s albums rolled out, the beats that Jeiyo had made also became more of him being the main producer. “I would record everything and put the albums together. I have worked with all GMP artists and others like Waka, Mushe and Ama Daz Floor just to mention a few,” he said. His favourite song that he produced a beat for was Gazza’s song titled Maintain.
Jeiyo says producers are not really recognised and he would like for producers to stand up for themselves. “We need to raise our standards and maintain them. We can’t have someone selling beats for N$150 and another for N$2 000. This is also an industry on its own and we should know our worth. We should come up with a benchmark that everyone should follow. We need to form a union in order for us to recognise our talents and gain respect from artists too,” said Jeiyo.
Jeiyo said the time he spends in studio as a producer sort of makes him forget that his aim was to be an artist. “One day in studio the thought came back and I realised that I could actually do more than producing. I would wait for everyone to leave the studio and then I’d play with some beats and words. It had become my little secret because I was shy. Somebody accidentally played a song I was busy with and the secret came out. The GMP team motivated me and that’s when I got the strength and confidence from to actually do music as well. I am currently working on the very final touches of my album as we speak,” gloated Jeiyo. At the moment the date is not yet finalised for the release of the album however he will be dropping singles here and there as starters. He said GMP has a sweet sound to them and his music also has the same sweetness to it. He has hip hop, kwaito and afro beat on his album and nobody will be ready for it at all because it will be lit. Jeiyo said he’s ready to tackle the industry and he’s going to give it his all. “No industry is easy it just depends on how much effort one puts in. I did my homework on the industry. I know my target audience and I know the sound I’m producing will cater for that audience. I feel that many local artists don’t really plan well and they don’t have patience and that’s where they go wrong, “emphasised Jeiyo.
Jeiyo mentioned Gazza’s almost a hundred times in the interview and asked why the name comes out easily of his mouth his reply was because he is somebody to look up to. “Gazza is my mentor. He took me under his wing and has guided me to where I am today. I can never have enough words to thank him for the opportunities he has given me, I will always be grateful. To all GMP fans watch this space for the Jeiyo album,” he concluded.

June Shimuoshili