Joe Bogdanovich And Toya’s Son Pursues Musical Path
The musical legacy of late singjay Toya lives on through her only child, Joseph ‘Joey’ Bogdanovich.
Fathered by her widower husband and Downsound Records CEO Joe Bogdanovich, the 15-year-old has a particular interest in music production.
Creating rhythms with his friend, Joey has already started recording close peers, but has a dream roster of artists in mind.
“I’d say my favourite artist right now is definitely Pablo YG,” he shared during his father’s recent interview on the The Truth is Real podcast. “I really like his music. I’ve been listening to his music for, like, two years now… I like his voice and I also like Jquan, and I like Valiant as well.”
Podcast host Walk & Talk presented Joey with a list of acts, including Mavado, as choices for a juggling rhythm, but Joey declared his allegiance to the ‘Gully Gad’s’ old rival Vybz Kartel.
“Nah, more Vybz Kartel,” the youngster said. “I love Vybz, he’s probably my favourite… I couldn’t do that.”
The senior Bogdanovich asked what he fancies about the ‘World Boss’.
“Vybz, he’s my favourite one,” Joey responded. “I think he’s the best dancehall artist there is, ever, and ever will be.”
Besides music production, Joey is also learning the ropes of event planning as a Reggae Sumfest intern. Organised by Downsound Entertainment, the festival is unfolding in Montego Bay, St. James, on Friday and Saturday.
Joey, however, is double-minded about taking over from his father someday.
“I’m not really sure to be honest, but right now, I’m just learning, like, doing the summer job… Learn something new every year, so not yet.”
Bogdanovich didn’t seem to mind, sharing that he’s giving him room to explore his interests.
“I was raised in a way where my parents didn’t push me to go into a family business,” he said. “We just try to get everybody free and to be able to do what they wanna do and choose what they wanna do. Get an education, make sure you got your morals right, and make sure you don’t get in trouble.”
The father and son have been doing life together since Toya’s passing in 2015. Given name Latoya Jackson, the Hot Like a Fire singjay died in the United States from diabetic complications. She was 30 years old.
Bogdanovich acknowledged her during the interview, even positioning the set before her portrait.
“His mom was somebody that came from the dancehall and she was very special in the arena,” he said. “She’s the one that gave birth to my son; God bless her heart.”
Toya was known for tracks including Boss Lady, You a Life and True Blessing.