Juls

Last updated
Juls
A Night with Juls 2019.jpg
Juls in 2019
Background information
Birth nameJulian Nii Ayitey Adjin Nicco-Annan [1]
Also known asJuls Baby
Genres Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrovibes
Occupation(s)Record producer, DJ, musician

Julian Nii Ayitey Adjin Nicco-Annan (born 25 October 1985), [2] better known by his stage name Juls, is a British-Ghanaian record producer, [3] [4] [5] [6] disc jockey, and musician. He is known for his music contributions, particularly in Afrobeats circles, [7] [8] [9] and for the production of songs such as: "Bankulize" and "Skin Tight" by Mr Eazi; "Feel Alright" by Show Dem Camp; Rudebwoi Love by Stonebwoy; [10] and Gwarn by Burna Boy. He has collaborated with the label BBnz Live, [11] and has worked on A&R for Mr.Eazi's Life is Eazi album. [7]

Contents

Early life

Juls was born in Hackney, East London, to musically inclined parents who moved from Ghana to Britain in the late 1970s. [12] He moved to Hackney, and then to Stevenage in Hertfordshire. He had his education in London, eventually acquiring a bachelor's degree and Master of Finance from the University of Surrey. [7]

Career

In early 2010, Annan began to produce music. He produced "Feel Alright" for Show Dem Camp in 2012 and began to DJ in 2013 while finishing his studies in Surrey. [9] In 2013, Mr. Eazi began to promote shows in Kumasi, Ghana and sent the vocals for one of his songs (“Bankulize”) to Juls. [13] The collaborative track would eventually become a cult hit. [14] [15]

He then began releasing his own music, including "Teef Teef," "With You," and "Give You Love". His debut album entitled Leap of Faith followed in 2017 with Ojekoo, which featured Kojey Radical, Maleek Berry, Nonso Amadi, Eugy, Not3s, and Kojo Funds. These albums both gained over 30 million streams on all major streaming platforms that year. [16]

He produced Wande Coal's "So Mi So", featuring Cruel Santino, in 2019. [17] Following this, he released the Colour project, which featured the likes of Sweetie Irie and Sway Clarke. [9]

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with our content. Look at all the quality videos that our artistes are putting out. Boasting our culture and our identity. The western media isn’t used to this new narrative. As our music scene gets bigger, it’s getting harder to ignore because African Pop music is what is hot right now. Look around you. Our influence is all over everything from film, to music to fashion. Also, I don’t think our aim or my aim anyways is to rub shoulders with “foreign counterparts”. It’s about spreading the culture and our music and getting heard. We haven’t had those resources and access to major funding that’s the only issue. And most African artistes are now getting educated on the business side of things so we don’t get cheated. It takes time. Illiteracy has been Africa’s major problem for developing as a continent. First solution is to take pride in our culture and educate ourselves first.” [7] [18]

In February 2020, Juls traveled to South Africa to experience the culture of Amapiano first hand (a style of house music that emerged in South Africa in mid 2010s), and he began to explore producing the style of music. [19] He then released the 5-track EP Happy Place, which features artists from South Africa, Nigeria, Jamaica and Ghana, including singer-songwriter Busiswa. [20] [7]

Since the release of Happy Place, Juls has released a 2-track collaboration with Sango entitled Fufu & Grits with Soulection, and another new single featuring Randy Valentine titled “Wata”.

Juls produced "U Say" on GoldLink's Diaspora album. [9] He later flew to LA to be appear in the video for the single, which featured Tyler, the Creator and Jay Prince, and was directed by Cruel Santino. [9]

Tours

Juls performed at SXSW in both 2017 and 2018. He also performed at the Encore Festival, The Ends Festival, and TIDAL x Diaspora Calling with Lauryn Hill. [7] [19] In 2019, Juls performed at the Ibiza Meltdown, Afro Republik/Wizkid, [16] and the ADE. [16] His self-curated tour A Night With Juls featured live sets and first premiered in New York in August 2019. [21] [9]

Discography

EPs

Albums

Singles

YearTitleAlbumRef
2016Give You LoveGive You Love [26]
2017Gwarn feat. Burna Boy [27]
2017My WaveLeap Of Faith [28]
2018Sister Girl feat. Wande Coal [29]
2017Your Corner feat. Nonso AmadiOjekoo [30]
2017Oshey feat. Moelogo, Siza, DJ TunezOjekoo
2019Maayaa feat. Cruel Santino, Tiggs Da AuthorColour [17]
2019kokosa feat Damibliz, zlatan [31]
2019AngelinaColour
2019Cake feat. Mr Eazi
2019Like Tu Danz feat. Kida Kudz, Ms Banks, Pa Salieu
2019Your Number feat. Mugeez, King PromiseHappy Place [20]
2020Wishes feat. Jah Cure
2020Wata feat. Randy Valentine [19]
2020Fufu & Grits feat. SangoFufu & Grits [19]

Achievements

Juls won Producer of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards UK and AFRIMA Awards in 2017. [7] He also was nominated for Best African Act at the Music of Black Origin Awards that year. [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiwa Savage</span> Nigerian singer (born 1980)

Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has been called the Queen of Afrobeats. Savage sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, afropop, pop and hip-hop. Savage's contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned her several achievements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wizkid</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter (born 1990)

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern day Afrobeats music scene, he is regarded as one of the most commercially successful and influential artists of the genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spinall</span> Nigerian disc jockey

Oluseye Desmond Sodamola, professionally known as Spinall, is a Yoruba Nigerian disc jockey, record producer, and songwriter. He was the official DJ to Wande Coal while he was affiliated with Mavin Records. He created a style edge to his outfit known as TheCAP, tracing his roots back to his culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr Eazi</span> Nigerian singer (born 1991)

Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, better known by his stage name Mr Eazi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns. Mr Eazi relocated to Kumasi in 2008 and enrolled at KNUST, where he began booking artists to perform at college parties. He showed interest in music after recording a guest verse on "My Life", a song that gained traction and became a popular record at KNUST. Mr Eazi released his debut mixtape About to Blow in 2013. He gained an international audience following the release of the Efya-assisted single "Skin Tight". His second mixtape, titled Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra To Lagos, was released in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fancy Gadam</span> Ghanaian dancehall musical artist

Mujahid Ahmed Bello known by his stage name Fancy Gadam, is a Ghanaian afropop, dancehall and reggae musician. In 2017 he won Ghana Music Awards for Best New Artist and in 2020 was named BestAfrobeat Entertainer at the International Reggae and World Music Awards.

Olatunji Oladotun Alade, popularly known as Dotman, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, performer and the CEO of 808 Recordz. He is most famous for his hit singles "Akube", "My Woman", "Afro Girl" and "Omoge".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M.O.G Beatz</span> Ghanaian music producer

John Kwesi Dosunmu-Mensah better known as M.O.G Beatz, is a Ghanaian record producer who specializes in Afro-pop, Hip hop, Afrobeats, R&B, Hiplife, Fuji and Highlife.

DopeNation is a Ghanaian musical duo of identical twin brothers, composed of Micheal Boafo popularly known as B2, and Tony Boafo known as Twist. They are best known for producing hit songs such as Kpuu Kpaa by Shatta wale, Wow by Joey B ft EL, Sebgefia by Joey B and EL, Poison by Ebony Reigns, Forever by Eazzy ft Mr Eazi, Nana Ama by Pappy Kojo, among others and chunning out hits for themselves as Artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darkovibes</span> Ghanaian musician

Paul Nii Amu Andrew Darko known as Darkovibes, is a Ghanaian born singer songwriter. His music categorizes as experimental music where he blends highlife, hip hop and rap. Darkovibes is known for his 2016 single "Mercy".

<i>Rendezvous</i> (playlist) 2018 mixtape by M.I Abaga

Rendezvous is a playlist by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released by Chocolate City on February 9, 2018. The playlist features guest appearances from Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Wande Coal, Falz, Yung L, Dice Ailes, CKay, Nonso Amadi, Santi, Odunsi the Engine, Chillz, Tomi Thomas, Joules Da Kid, Ajebutter22, Terry Apala, Strafitti, Trigga Madtonic, Blaqbonez and UA.x. It also features skits from a number of radio personalities, including Vic-O, Charles Okocha, Douglas Jekan, Kemi Smallz and Do2tun. Rendezvous was supported by the singles "Your Father" and "Lekki".

Michael Takyi-Frimpong known by the stage name Lord Paper is a Ghanaian soul, afrobeats and hip hop musician. He is best known for his 2016 single "Awurama".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nonso Amadi</span> Nigerian musician (born 1995)

Chinonso Obinna Amadi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and music producer. He is a self-taught songwriter and music producer who embarked on his music career in 2012, while at Covenant University, where he studied chemical engineering. His currently signed to UMG Canada, Def Jam Recordings, UMG Nigeria, Polydor, and MCA Records France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amarachi Nwosu</span>

Amarachi Nwosu is a Nigerian-American photographer, visual artist, filmmaker, writer and speaker currently based in New York City. She is also the founder of Melanin Unscripted, a creative platform and agency aimed to dismantle stereotypes and blur cultural lines by exposing complex identities and cultures around the world. Her debut documentary "Black in Tokyo" premiered at the International Center of Photography at the ICP Museum, New York City in 2017 and she has also screened the film in Tokyo, Japan at Ultra Super New Gallery in Harajuku.

Afrobeats is an umbrella term to describe popular music from West Africa and the diaspora that initially developed in Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK in the 2000s and 2010s. Afrobeats is less of a style per se, and more of a descriptor for the fusion of sounds flowing majorly out of Nigeria. Genres such as hiplife, jùjú music, highlife and naija beats, among others, were amalgamated under the "Afrobeats" umbrella.

Zainab Elizabeth Donli, known as Lady Donli, is a Nigerian musician. She is an alternative R&B, hip hop, alternative jazz and Afrobeat singer and songwriter.

<i>Celia</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Tiwa Savage

Celia is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on 27 August 2020 by Motown, Island Records, and Universal Music Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Kaywise</span> Nigerian DJ

Ayorinde Kehinde Okiki, known professionally as DJ Kaywise is a Nigerian disc jockey and record producer. Kaywise broke into the mixtape market in Alaba in the year 2010. He has since gained prominence as a DJ in Nigeria and has released chart topping songs with many Nigerian music stars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P2J</span> Nigerian-British producer

Richard Olowaranti Mbu Isong, professionally known as P2J is a Nigerian-British producer from London, England. He is best known for his work with the likes of Beyoncé, Wizkid, Stormzy, FKA Twigs, Burna Boy, Tems, Doja Cat & many more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Afro Nation</span> Music festival

Afro Nation is an annual three-day music festival founded in 2019 by Live Nation, SLE - Sociedade Lusa de Espectáculos and Event Horizon to bring together the best African artist in Afrobeats, Hip hop, RnB, Dancehall, Amapiano and more. The festival was nominated in the Best Overseas Festival category at the 2019 UK Festival Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smade</span> Nigerian creative industries entrepreneur

Adesegun Adeosun Jnr, popularly known as Smade, is a Nigerian-born British event promoter, creative industry expert and entrepreneur. He is co-founder and CEO of Afro Nation, an annual music festival established to bring together the best African artists in Afrobeats, Hip hop, RnB, Dancehall, Amapiano, Afro House and more. He is also the founder of Smade Entertainment, a UK-based entertainment company.

References

  1. ↑ "AFTER SIX". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Juls features Maleek Berry and Nonso Amadi on Early in the Morning". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  3. ↑ "DJ Juls". Latest Naija Nigerian Music, Songs & Video - Notjustok. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  4. ↑ "JULS : chelseamusichall" . Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  5. ↑ "Juls - Against The Clock". FACT Magazine. 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  6. ↑ "Juls - Against The Clock". FACT Magazine. 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 admin (2019-06-24). "THE INTERVIEW: JULS ON NEO-AFRICANISM AND THE AFRICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY". Blanck Digital. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  8. ↑ "Listen To Juls' Newest Project 'Colour' Featuring Ms Banks, Kojey Radical & More". GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture. 26 July 2019. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Juls". Notion. 2019-09-02. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  10. ↑ "Juls | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  11. ↑ "BBnZ Live". Discogs. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  12. ↑ Penney, Joe. "The Ghanaian producer behind Nigeria's favorite hits". The Outline. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  13. ↑ Penney, Joe. "The Ghanaian producer behind Nigeria's favorite hits". The Outline. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  14. ↑ "Mr Eazi Is West Africa's Newest Superstar". The FADER. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  15. ↑ "MR EAZI BIO". et.coca-cola.com. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  16. 1 2 3 "Juls". ADE. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  17. 1 2 "Juls's "Maayaa" video is a stylish tribute to the women who raised him". The FADER. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  18. ↑ Juls in an interview with BlanckDigital
  19. 1 2 3 4 music, Claudia NamuA presenter with love for; meeting, travel I. like; busy, sparking a conversation with new people Forever trying to keep myself (2020-06-21). "WPGM Interviews: Juls – African Heritage, Building Relationships And 'Happy Place'". WE PLUG GOOD MUSIC. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  20. 1 2 3 "Juls Unveils New Globe-Spanning 'Happy Place' Project". Clash Magazine. 4 May 2020. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  21. ↑ "A Night with Juls | Live - Subterania | Tour Dates London" . Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  22. ↑ "Juls". AugustLiveGh Media. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  23. ↑ "First Listen: Juls' New Album Puts Him at the Forefront of the Alternative Afrobeats Movement". OkayAfrica. 2017-06-14. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  24. ↑ "Juls – Leap of Faith". Music In Africa. 2017-07-06. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  25. ↑ "Juls". Notion. 2019-09-02. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  26. ↑ "London-Based DJ Juls Channels Afrobeat in the Latest Highsnobiety Sounds Mix". Highsnobiety. 2016-11-22. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  27. ↑ "Listen To Burna Boy And Juls Team Up On Another Raunchy Song, 'Gwarn'". Konbini - All Pop Everything! (in French). Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  28. ↑ Prspct (2017-09-14). "Afrobeat artist Juls shares the semi-animated video 'My Wave' [UK / Ghana]" . Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  29. ↑ "Juls Sister Girl ft Wande Coal new song". tooXclusive. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  30. ↑ "Juls ft Nanso Amadi – Your Corner". AugustLiveGh Media. 2017-12-29. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  31. ↑ "Zlatan x Damibliz x Juls x Worlasi – "Kokosa" » tooXclusive | MP3". tooXclusive. 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2021-04-17.
  32. ↑ "This year's MOBO award nominations have been announced". The Independent. 2017-10-18. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.