Artist To Watch: Kohen Jaycee

Mwesigwa Cohen Jaycee, known by his stage name "Kohen Jaycee" is a Ugandan RnB Singer/Vocalist and songwriter. Like many artists, he started performing at a young age doing poetry and acoustic music shows in school.

In the early stages of his music career, Kohen Jaycee did song covers on social media to grow a fanbase. Currently, his growing discography comprises 1 album Wena (2019), and 2 EPs Wena Chapter 2 (2021) and Heartstrings (2022). His catalog has songs such as Not Letting Go, Ndi Naawe, Siganye, and Eva.

I caught up with him to learn about his craft and musical journey. 

What inspired you to pursue music?

Every time I'm asked this question, I feel like people are going to see through me. Music has been a part of my life for the longest time. My mom inspired me to do it. She is a singer too. I know for a fact that's where I got this talent from. Music was really a soundtrack to my childhood. My very first recording was done by my mother using an old cassette player when I was about five or six years old.

Your sound has been largely described as RnB; would you consider trying out other genres?

My music relates more to emotion. So, if I feel like doing Gengetone today, I won't limit myself. Even though I am classified as an RnB artist, I am not limited to just R&B music. Furthermore, I have explored other genres such as Dancehall and Hip-hop through features.

What is your music creation process like?

Every song starts with ideation. I like to think I’m a very aware person inspired by things around me. My music is really about storytelling. After that, I apply melody. Before going to the studio, I have a couple of producers that I hit up to ensure they understand my vision. We then jump into the studio and create the beat from scratch. There are also times when my producer friends send me instrumentals to listen to then I come up with lyrics based on them.

What was the best advice someone gave you when you were starting as a musician?

To always work on me. Once the self is straight and at one, everything that you do, just becomes smoother, and a lot easier. Better yourself and other people will see what value you bring.

As a growing artist, if you try to reach out to someone, and they don't necessarily reciprocate the energy, don't take it personally. Sometimes it just takes time.

Your song Not Letting Go has grown to be a top fan favorite, what was the inspiration behind it, and did you expect it to be that big?

I believe in myself; I know that I’ve got really great music. The reception that the song got was quite overwhelming, even for me. I'm very, grateful that everyone received it the way they did.

Not Letting Go is more like a promise to me. It is about me discovering this gift, that I love so much and want to pursue. It is about not going to let go of it and fighting for it.

Are there East African artists on your collaboration wish list? If so, who are they?

My list is quite long, but I’ll keep it short and simple. I love Sauti Soul, specifically, Bien. I would also like to work with Nviiri The Storyteller. I like his sound. Also, I really love, Karun and Matata.

As for Uganda, I’ve been knocking some of these guys off my wish list. It's been such a great moment for me. I wanted to work with Maurice Kirya and I finally got into the studio with him. There is also a beautiful song that I recently recorded with Ykee Benda. I would have loved to write a song with the late Mowzey Radio, may God rest his soul.

You have built a solid fanbase over the years, through your unforgettable live shows. What has been your favorite performance or tour so far?

That's quite hard for me to answer because I usually enjoy all my performances. For me, every performance has to be better than the last. But if I may say my most exciting stage was Blankets and Wine Uganda because of the vibrant crowd and energy. Hearing such a large number of people singing along to my songs was so surreal. A true full-circle moment.

Speaking of live performances, do you ever get stage fright and how do you deal with it?

No, I don't get any stage fright. I used to but not anymore. People are there to see me, sing my songs with me, feel my emotions, and have fun. I have experienced tough crowds before but I still don’t get stage fright.

What factors do you look out for before agreeing to perform at an event?

Even before I agree to a performance, my brand and its values have to align with whoever I'm working with. When we get to the performance, I'm very particular about sound as I like to sound a certain way. 

Have you ever encountered a crazy fan? What was that experience like?

I respect myself and I think it shows, so they treat me with a certain level of respect. If I would say crazy, it has been something like, ‘Can I get a hug?’ Or ‘Can I get a picture?’ type of fan. But nothing out of the ordinary because I don't entertain such. But I get a lot of crazy DMs though.

What do you love the most about being a musician?

It's a feeling that doesn't have words. Like a thing that's at the tip of the tongue. I know what it is, but I just can't describe it. Something that I wrote in my bedroom, on a small piece of paper, getting played on TV, or becoming someone’s wedding or even favorite song? That’s the best part about making music. It's an appreciation of my expression.

How do you handle the stress and pressures that come with being a famous artist?

I have a very, supportive team. Sometimes as creatives, we like to handle everything. When I'm happy or even sad, I have a team that I can talk to and we always try to figure out solutions.

I also like to travel. So, I just take some time away, pack a few clothes, and go with a couple of friends. There's an island in Victoria, that I usually go to just chill for like a weekend, sit back by the water, no phones, just me by myself and it's a very fulfilling experience.

A lot of people are scared of solitude. But solitude in that sense is also really good as it comes with self-reflection. Other times, I write songs.

Was there ever a time when you thought about quitting music altogether?

If I'm being very honest, I would say it hasn't crossed my mind. By the time I decided to do music, I was at a point where I was sure. Sometimes I question what I am doing but at the end of the day, it's what I chose, and the thing that makes me feel most alive.

Are any of your songs based on real events or people we might know? If so, can you tell us more about them without giving away too many details about the song itself?

There's a song called Telling Me. It was a rant and a very honest song with a clear message.

What is your favorite song of all time?

18 by Ed Sheeran. It's a very beautiful song. A poem, but sang.

What is your vision for your music career in the next five years?

To go international on a larger scale. I want to perform not just all over Africa, but all over the world. I also want to have a Nike Air Jordan endorsement. That is an active, thing I am working towards. I would like to be, an artist who has inspired not just people, but also other artists to be themselves. Lastly, I want to sell very many records,

What is that mantra you live by?

As you think, so you become. We need to remind ourselves that we are always doing the best that we can. Sometimes things don’t go as planned but we should always be kind to ourselves.

Also Always have a plan, irrespective of what you're doing.

All photos courtesy of William Kane