Hailing from Bristol, England and based in Mississauga, raspy-voiced Keita Juma [https://twitter.com/kjforshort] brings an eclectic approach to the GTA’s hip-hop scene. Emerging under the moniker KJ and turning heads with material like his 2012 album Water and his appearance on Shi Wisdom’s “Lovespeak,” Keita Juma has continued his artistic progression on subsequent releases. With 2014’s Peephole/Beach EP release and this year’s Chaos Theory EP , Keita Juma is clearly intent on infusing his music with disparate influences drawing from his diasporic upbringing and his experimental approach to creativity. – Del F. Cowie
Keita Juma will be appearing at Manifesto as part of the Red Bull Sound Select event along with GoldLink and A K U A on September 16. Follow Keita Juma @KJforShort on Twitter and RSVP for RBSS!
What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/ Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?
Well, when I first moved to Canada I lived in Etobicoke for a few years, then Brampton, and then ended up in Mississauga. I’ve been in ‘Sauga for a while now, more specifically Meadowvale, so that’s where I call home.
What is your favourite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?
I’m usually home, so in the nights I’m skating the Lisgar trails taking in what I’ve been working on or some other music. Most of my spots are food spots or bakeries because that’s my thing. If we’re talking meals, then Average Joes in the [Kensington] Market for breakfast, Potluck in Meadowvale for lunch, or Indian Kiss in the Junction for dinner. When I used to live in Etobicoke, there were a few bakeries I’d hit up on the regular – one that sold fresh patties right from the oven (I think it was close to Dr. Flea’s,) and a Ralph’s Bakery on Finch where I’d get fresh Hardo bread. Outside of that, you can catch me at Rattlesnake Point with the family taking in the view or tryna’ start a fire.
How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?
There isn’t much art happening in the ‘burbs, just similar houses, roads and bus stops, but I think that’s the suburbs in general. There aren’t any hubs for the artists in ‘Sauga either, so we all end up heading to Toronto. [It] Seems like they’re trying to do more around Square One and Lakeshore specifically, but those are really the only two areas I can think of.
What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?
I’m a part of the entire process and when you get music from me, instead of the lyrics just telling my story, every part of the song is me – from the beat to the mix. I try to take my time with each part [of a song/project] as if it’s a different layer that the listener can take in throughout their journey with the project. Those were always my favourite records growing up. I also feel I have a unique perspective on black music. I remember trying to put my friends on to house and garage back in the day, then grime. Some of them got it but some didn’t, and that let me know that sometimes, new things take time. The industry that’s been going on in England has been active for a while… same as here. I remember watching Mathematik videos on MuchMusic, or when [Saukrates’] “Money or Love” first dropped or when [Kardinal Offishall’s] “Bakardi Slang” was the talk. Then flying to England and going to pirate radio stations or raves with my brother and his friends, seeing the different cultures. From music to fashion, I was able to see the differences every year throughout high school. [It] made me okay with creating whatever made sense in my head.
Why is it important for you to take part/perform in the Manifesto festival?
Manifesto’s a part of hip hop culture in our city, and it’s always an honour to bless the stage. The first time I was in the Manifesto Festival was in ‘08, [when] someone bailed on their performance and I got a text the night before like, “Yo, you tryna’ perform?” I must’ve performed to about 8 people, but it was a great experience and I felt mad nice being a part of the festival. That was the year K-os came on and told K’naan it was cool to do another song, which was a big move on his part because Nathan Philips Square was not playing with the 10pm curfew. There’s always a lot happening in the festival week that brings out all the artists in the city, so it’s good to see people outside of the Internet. Also, it’s the last time everyone’s out before they hibernate for the winter.
If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?
That’s tough, but off top it would be Saukrates – “Comin’ Up” with Shad’s “I Don’t Like To” as a close second, a very close second. I know they’re older songs but those are the first that come to mind.
WATCH: Keita Juma feat. Brendan Philip – “Come Over”
