Jst Sako brings us into his world: Interview

Impulse Africa Magazine Team recently caught up Daveyton born and bred star Jst Sako following the release of his critically acclaimed EP titled 1Five20.

 Jst Sako describes himself as a young African man that’s passionate about life, music and the experiences that shape him into the man that he aspires to become daily.

A project filled with sensational vocal performances and symphonic instrument arrangements met with the sound of the South African streets’ Amapiano log drum, Jst Sako’s 1Five20 promises to bring a lot of heat to your summer playlists.

Briefly tell us about your journey as a musician so far?

My journey as a musician has really been about learning and unlearning. I have had the opportunity to work with some really amazing artists in South Africa, the rest of Africa and abroad.

My vision for my music has always been pan-African driven, though I have had some ups and downs… I believe that those challenges have propelled me to discover my true potential as an artist, songwriter and producer.

How would you describe your sound?

The sound design of my music is made up of a variety of genres, though it’s primarily orchestrated through an element of soul/R&B.

I have always made it a point to create outside the borders of what is normal to the listeners’ ears.

It’s really risky creating a sound that might not land because it sounds unfamiliar in texture, but because of the dance music element such as the Amapiano style log drum and arrangement, the music I make can be described as Afrocentric Amapiano.

How has the process of establishing your own core sound and style been?

Challenging! This has made it difficult to collaborate with other artists at times, not because it’s impossible and unattainable to work with others.

I believe because of the difference in style it has been hard to visualize a person I could have worked with on this particular sound and bring it to life the way I believe I can.

The core of this entire sound comes from my spirituality, vulnerabilities, and most importantly the values I carry as a person, hence the messaging of the music is far deeper, the sound and lyrics have to always fit like hand and glove.

Where do you draw your inspiration from as a musician?

I draw from the reality of my everyday life, the beauty of being able to live in the past, present and future of my existence.

I strive to live my truth, never overlooking each experience I might come across in my journey and the connecting path of those closest to me.

The creation of my music will always be personal, this way I believe I am able to relate to my audience and take particular walks with them as I narrate my truth through a song I’ve written or composed.

Your latest project 1Five20, what was the inspiration behind it? 

Each song on that project was written from a sense of true-life events and I woke up with a strong feeling of wanting to close my year celebrating the four pillars I believe I stand strongly for, these are creativity, spirituality, reconciliation and love.

You will feel these pillars genuinely come across in the songs as soon as you play the first song.

Have you noticed any difference in the way people consumed your music during and after the lockdown?

Most definitely! When lockdown started, my journey as Jst Sako had just begun after releasing my debut single.

I then had to spend a lot of time creating what you hear/see before your eyes and ears today.

I have noticed a significant growth in my audience as I re-emerged with this new sound. This has brought desired attention to my craft.

I continue to amass new listeners as I move from stage to stage of the lockdown and I realize even more now that my audience is vast.

The people that have been consuming my music globally during the lockdown have given the music a life of its own and this is why we still create more, to give musical companionship through this new era.

As an independent artist, what would you say is the most important lesson you have learnt so far?

Ownership is key, I have no doubt in my ability to create a long-standing career, but I’ve learnt more to believe in myself as a vision carrier because in the journey to becoming, I’ve met and worked with different minds.

With my decision to become a truly independent artist, I’ve learnt to believe in my story a whole lot more than I did when I wasn’t independent.

Genuine storytelling, the courage to be different and challenging the narrative will always be some of the great lessons I’ve learnt as an independent artist.

Three things people do not know about Jst Sako?

1. I’m a food enthusiast and undercover chef.

2. I’m quite the prankster and enjoy making people around me laugh.

3. I HATE TWITTER!!!!!

What can your fans expect from Jst Sako in 2022?

A whole of greatness, by God’s grace we are going to challenge the different thresholds that come with the realities of being an independent artist.

We are going to cross more borders, drop amazing music and give you an album that is already waiting to be served… “Vutta.”

What are you most grateful for right now?

I am grateful for life, my family, friends, fans and the ability to still share with them what God has gifted to me as a talent.

Life is about that one Big Bang that will make you memorable through time, I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to plant a few more dynamites in the space and man do I want to shake a few things up.