Jimmy Jatt Amu (born October 15, 1966), known professionally as DJ Jimmy Jatt, is a Nigerian disc jockey who is revered as one of the pioneering Afrobeats hip hop DJs in Nigeria.[1][2] He started out his music career as a rapper under the sobriquet Master J but delved into DJing after his failure in getting signed by a record label despite releasing a handful of songs including a demo recording.[3] He is best known for his Jimmy's Jump Off concert, an event he started in 2008 to become one of the most attended entertainment events in Nigeria.[4] In 2006, he won the Hip Hop World Hall of Fame award at the maiden edition of The Headies for his contribution to hip-hop in Nigeria.[5]
Jimmy Jatt Amu | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jimmy Jatt Amu |
| Born | October 15, 1966 Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Genres | Afrobeats, Hip hop |
| Instrument(s) | turntables |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Website | djjimmyjatt |
Early life and career edit
Jimmy Amu is a native of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, but he was born and bred in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria where he had his basic and secondary education. Born to a father who was a sound equipment dealer, Jimmy Jatt developed interest in music at a tender age. He grew up listening to various genres of music including pop, afrojuju, highlife, afrobeat, jazz, hip-hop, rhythm and blues and soul.[6] He began his career as a rapper under the stage name Master J but had to switch into DJing after he failed to secure a record label contract upon releasing several songs and demos.[7] He soon became popular as a DJ for hosting a street carnival called "Road Block", an event which involved lyrical rap battles between upcoming and underground rappers.[8] In 2007, he released a mixtape titled The Definition, a compilation of songs which features several Nigerian artistes including Sound Sultan, 2Baba, Mode 9, Naeto C, 9ice, Ruggedman, eLDee, M.I among others. The mixtape included "Stylee", a song which features vocals from 2Baba, Mode 9 and ElaJoe and went on to be nominated in two categories at the 2007 edition of the Channel O Music Video Awards.[9][10] With a T.V programme called Jimmy's Jump Off, several collaborations, awards and nominations and endorsement deals; DJ Jimmy Jatt is highly recognised and revered for pushing hip-hop in Nigeria.[8]
Discography edit
Studio albums edit
- The Definition (2007)
- The Industry Vol 1 (2014)
- Urban Heartbeat (2017)
References edit
- ^ "DJ Jimmy Jatt: The Evolution of an Icon". www.cp-africa.com. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Guardian music (8 August 2016). "Don Jazzy and the rise of Nigerian hip-hop". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Ogaga, Tony; Alonge, Ayo (12 November 2016). "My life at 50 –DJ Jimmy Jatt". The Sun News. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ "Naija's biggest DJ event 'Jimmy's Jump off' comes to town". Vanguard Newspaper. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Abumere, Princess Irede (5 April 2016). "The Headies: List of all the influencers in the award's Hall of Fame". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 14 April 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Badmus, Kayode (15 October 2015). "Legendary Disc Jockey, Jimmy Jatt is a year older today". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 20 March 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Njoku, Benjamin (16 January 2016). "My life as a DJ, a singer – DJ Jimmy Jatt". Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
- ^ a b Pulse Mix (29 April 2014). "Bio!: DJ Jimmy Jatt". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
- ^ "Channel O Music Video Awards Nominees Announced". TVSA. 13 August 2007. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
- ^ Dommet, Jim (28 May 2015). "#ThrowBack: DJ Jimmy Jatt – "Stylee" ft. 2face, Mode 9 & ElaJoe". tooXclusive. Retrieved 19 March 2017.