Interview: Projexx Talks New Afrobeats Track ‘Sweat,’ His Contribution To Dancehall, And More

Jamaican artist Projexx has released a catchy summer tune titled Sweat that he hopes will resonate with listeners as easily as it was to create it.

He is especially excited about the project since it was produced by heavyweights Cadenza (whose credits include Travis Scott, Beyoncé, Jorja Smith, Amaarae & Gorillaz) and P2J (responsible for hits like Wizkid’s Essence and Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl).

The young musician, whose grandfather is the legendary producer King Jammy, sat down for an interview with DancehallMag to elaborate on the project. The obvious joy in his tone told us all we needed to know about how passionate he truly is about his craft. A condensed version of the conversation is below:

To kick things off, I want to know what the inspiration was behind Sweat and what you’re looking to achieve.

To be honest, Sweat is a song that I would say came to me like magic. I was in London… I think it was my first time in London too, ever, and I’ve been talking to Cadenza for years and this was my first time working with Cadenza. We were there, I think we had a day session, and he played me a couple tracks because I had laid down the idea already. We went outside for a smoke, and no joke, we were just reasoning about music and he had played me the best for Sweat outside and the melody just came to me instantly.

I was just about to ask you about Cadenza because I realise that he has worked with quite a few people in the industry. How was the connection made with him?

My grandfather is King Jammys and his father is David Rodigan, so, my grandfather and him were like best friends for years so he knew about me through my granddad. Then, working with mutual friends and artists, that’s where they introduced me to his music sound so I just kinda reached out to him and let him know I was gonna be in London soon, and he was down to record the session and we just did it.

What would you say the experience was like working with him?

If I had stayed in the studio for a next hour or so, I know we would’ve found like 10 more songs. It was my first time working with him and it was just spiritual. Even how the song came about; I can’t tell you, it was just flowed.

Mhm, I get that. There is an official music video, as well. What was it like working on that?

It was in a boxing gym in Miami..that said that Mohammed Ali used to train there— I forgot the name, but they shot it there. To be honest, I’ve done a couple videos so far in my career, but it was really an experience. It was the first time doing all of these things. The vibes was just accurate. The mood was right, everything was flowing… everybody knew once we started rolling that this was gonna be something special. 

Once people get a chance to hear the song and see the video, what do you hope to achieve?

I just want people to enjoy good music and support real talent. I think our music nowadays is a little bit more violent or dark. I just want to slow things down a little and add my flavour to it. You know what I mean? In a more vibrant way; in a more cheerful way and represent for the ladies 100 per cent.

It’s pretty interesting that you described music nowadays like that because I was going to ask since you’re one of the younger artists now, and as you know, some of your peers produce controversial music. How do you try to counteract that or stay away from discussing those themes in your music?

Well, I’m a true lover of music. I take time with my craft and I really believe in sticking with your lane… you gotta have something that you’re bringing to the table. If everybody is gonna sing about this, and sing about that, how are you going to stand out? I just think that’s the best way. It might be a little bit slow, and people might take a little while to bring the attention over here, but, I’m here to stay and the music I’m doing has more longevity, more substance, more quality. 

And obviously your bloodline is legendary, quite frankly…

Yes, and my grandad… the way he dealt with music and ended up having this big, powerful name, it’s because of the quality and substance. These things go on and on and spread down to generations… As an artist, you have to kinda have some mystery too. Some music is fast paced and I feel like because of that you kinda burn out quickly.

OK, let’s backtrack a little bit. Did you used to go to the studio with your grandad or spend time around him when he was working on projects?

Yeah man! From mi a baby him have mi inna him hand while him a mix chunes. I grew up in it; I couldn’t run from it even if I decided that I’m gonna run away from music. It was just gonna find me.

Watch the music video for Sweat above.