YOUNG JONN INTERVIEW: From masterminding hits for Afrobeats royalty like Davido and Tiwa Savage, Young Jonn has evolved from ‘The Wicked Producer’ to a globally touring headliner, commanding the mic with his irresistible ‘JIGGY’ sound. Now, having successfully taken his infectious energy across Europe, the Nigerian star is ready to drop his most expansive project yet: the highly anticipated album Blue Disco. In this exclusive chat with VIPER, Young Jonn breaks down the duality of his new work, the creative secrets behind his distinct singles ‘Cash Flow‘ and ‘Full Control‘, and reveals how an accidental conversation with Olamide turned his own track, ’99’, into a summer smash.
The singles leading up to the album—’Cash Flow’ featuring Wizkid and ‘Full Control’—both have very distinct vibes. Can you talk about the creative mindset behind each of those tracks?
These songs are very special to me most especially “Cash Flow” always grateful to Wiz for blessing me with a verse. I would say that both songs reflect what my forthcoming album would look like and a reality of my experiences for the past year generally.
The video for ‘Cash Flow’ is set to drop alongside the album. What was the vision for the visuals, and what made now the right time to finally deliver a collaboration with Wizkid?
The video is just an interpretation of what the song is about. Good life, luxury, free-will and enjoyment.
‘Full Control’ was your first solo single after a series of high-profile features and collaborations (Asake, Wizkid, SPINALL, Kidd Carter). Did you approach the creation of that track differently, knowing it was a pure showcase of your own style?
It’s all a pure showcase of my own style if i’m being honest, I believe my sound has grown over the past year and every song i’ve created, feature or solo tracks have been a perfect reflection of that.
You and Asake have a storied history, including a feature on Olamide’s massive summer hit, ’99’, which you also executive produced. How did the creative synergy feel this time around, and what makes him an ideal partner to showcase that ‘playboy spirit’?
’99’ was originally my song, I played it for badoo one time and he said he wanted it. Olamide is actually one of the best A&Rs in the Afrobeats scene because he took the song and refined it into the beautiful track you hear today. He also added verses from Asake & Seyi Vibez on it to add more spice to the track. Asake & i have great synergy on every songs we’ve been on and it’s always a pleasure to collaborate with him.
Your new album is designed as a crossover body of work. Of the international features—like Shenseea from Jamaica, Franglish from France, and Guru from India—what was the biggest surprise in the studio when blending the ‘JIGGY’ sound with a new cultural flavour?
I really want people to understand how fluid my sound is. I can create good music with international stars and make them blend perfectly on Afrobeats sound. I wouldn’t say there’s any biggest surprise cause we didn’t record in a studio together, they just sent in their verses to the song and that was how the tracks came about basically.
The title of the new album, ‘Blue Disco’, perfectly captures a duality: “blue” for mood and reflection, “disco” for joy and movement. How did you weave those two contrasting elements together across the album’s tracklist?
Fusing those elements together for me was so easy because they’re a perfect blend and a perfect interpretation of what the sonics of my album represents. Blue Disco is the summation or summary of my life experiences the past year and I want the listeners to also be able to connect with me on that also.
Given that ‘Blue Disco’ drops on November 28th, what is the single, overarching feeling or message you hope listeners retain immediately after listening to the album for the first time?
The message remains the same thing i’ve been preaching all year; stay Jiggy & stay happy. I make songs from a happy place and a place of fun and that’s what I want people to feel when they listen to my project.
What five words do you feel best define the ‘JIGGY’ sound that you’re creating now as a frontline artist?
Happy, Exciting, Nostalgic, Trailblazing, Innovative.
You’re famed as a producer for giants like Davido and Tiwa Savage. Now that you’re commanding the mic, what is the biggest challenge in producing your own music versus producing for another global star?
Music has always been a hobby more than anything, It’s always been something I enjoy doing. I don’t produce most of my songs, I have producers I work with and try not to also disturb their production process by trusting them to deliver. I only add some finishing touches on some rare occasions where I see fit.
The transition from being ‘The Wicked Producer’ to a stage headliner is massive. You took the ‘JIGGY Forever’ energy across Europe this summer. Did the crowd energy or the vibe change when you performed your hits like ‘Stamina’ and ‘Terminator’ in a city like Milan versus Lagos?
Yes they did. The shows were nothing short of amazing. It’s beautiful to see how much of our music has crossed borders and fans have spread worldwide listening to me sing. Their energy was also very much on point at the shows.
