Jamz Supernova

^{Photograph by Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid}

Name, where are you from?
Jamz Supernova from South East London.

Describe your style in three words?
Low-key, Quality, Sporty.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Childish Gambino at The O2, I went two nights in a row. The first time I got a bit carried away and drunk way too much so I went back the following night to redeem myself. But both nights were incredible and I was in a state of euphoria. I loved his stage presence and the intimacy of the show in such a big venue. There was a theatrical element to the show which added a whole new layer of entertainment and his performance was mindblowing! Mix that with how much I love his album 'Awaken My Love' and I was in Heaven.

If you could put any three artists in history on a lineup?
Prince - I almost had the chance to see him live but sadly he passed away. I think it would have been an iconic moment. One of the smoothest to ever do it! 

Nina Simone - What a voice, I’ve seen some incredible documentaries on her and have always been inspired. She was ahead of her time. From her thoughts on race relations to feminist issues.

Bob Marley - I love that every generation still knows his songs, from young 5-year-olds to 95-year-olds. I also feel we’re in some testing times and a show from Bob Marley could really reunite people.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Growing up in London and being from the Caribbean the subcultures the African Diaspora has not just been a massive influence on me but very much part of my being. It’s allowed me to connect and find so many homes away from home, from Latin America to Europe. There’s a shared experience or an understanding/appreciation of what happens when Cultures collide but you can also find similarities in the musical rhythms we are drawn to.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d love to spend time with my great grandparents. Being a third-generation immigrant there’s only so far my families known lineage goes and I’d love to find out more. Apparently it’s important to know where you’ve come from to know where you’re going. They must have sacrificed a hell of a lot for me to be here so I’d be keen to hear their stories and what they know about who came before!

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Birthday’s in Dalston will always hold a special place in my heart for me. It was the venue I learnt to cut my teeth as a DJ and played some of my early gigs. It was also where I launched my Club Night Future Bounce and spent 2 years throwing some of the sickest parties. There was something about the low ceiling that made the party feel contained. Like for those few hours you were the only people who existed sharing the same love of music and raving!

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I really admire Tunji Balogun, he’s the Executive Vice President A&R for RCA in the US and co-founder of a dope label called Keep Cool. I love his journey and his contribution to cultivating the Alternative RnB scene. He’s worked with artists like Goldlink, Bryson Tiller, Kaytranada, Brockhampton, Father, SZA, Khalid and more. Despite having some incredible success he remains humble and grounded and has time and advice to give. Plus he’s a genuinely a real music fan which you’d be surprised can sometimes be hard to come across in the music industry!

Jamz Supernova is one of the leading next-generation DJ's in the UK and she hosts a weekly show on BBC Radio 1Xtra. 

In 2018 Jamz also DJ'd at Fred Perry Subculture's All Our Tomorrow's Festival, which you can read about here.

You can stream 'Vol 5' of her Club Jamz below. These monthly mixes showcase what she plays in the club and are a really good, clear indication of what she is about. Listen to Vol 5 or previous instalments via SoundCloud or MixCloud too.