Interview With Musician And Big Brother Africa Alumni Jerome JJ
Jerome Arab famously known as JJ is a singer and actor who first came to our attention when he participated in the Big Brother Africa. We spoke to him about his career and how Big Brother changed his career, here’s what he had to say.
Q: How would you best describe JJ?
A: I’m an artist, there is nothing else about me that stands out as much as my art. I eat, breathe, and sleep creation.
Q: Have you always known growing up you wanted to be in the spotlights?
A: I’ve always known I want the world to hear my music – my message, God’s message, I wouldn’t say the “spotlight” is as important to me as touching peoples lives.
Q: Is the entertainment everything you thought it would be, what’s the biggest misconception about the media industry?
A: No, it’s not everything I thought it would be. The biggest misconception is that all artists/celebrities live lavish lives. We’re all people trying to live our dreams, and for some of us life’s not that rosy.
Q: At what point did you start taking music seriously?
A: 2012 after being in the studio with multi-platinum selling DJ MarkOne in the UK.
Q: How was the Big Brother experience and what effect did it have on your career?
A: The experience was interesting and has opened up many doors. I’ve always been blessed with amazing opportunities and Big Brother was just another blessing.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A: I’ve had many, from sharing the stage with international acts like Raekwon, Omarion, Gyptian, DBanj, JP Cooper… the list is endless. Working in the studio with DJ MarkOne, James Sakala, TSean Baila, Macky2, James Auton, Richard Carroll… another endless list! Being released all over the world, Italy, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, UK, South Africa, Zambia, and here at home. But, the most touching moment was when my dad came into the Big Brother House and told me he’s proud of me and all my achievements.
Q: Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years?
A: I see myself spending more time with my mum and dad and hopefully… God willing… more involved in business and on some big stages like Glastonbury.
Q: What can your fans expect from your before the end of the year?
A: First, check out my AfroFusion EP titled MOTHERLAND which is available for free download on http://noisetrade.com/jeromeojj/motherland-ep and my album “My Vices” which I’m planning to release just before the new year.
Q: What’s one thing you now know about the industry you wish you had known then?
A: Network. Network. Network. No matter what you do, make sure you collect and make good relations with everyone you meet. Build bridges, don’t burn them.
Q: Would you advice a young person to enter Big Brother or pursue a career I the entertainment industry in Zimbabwe?
A: Yeah, I suppose that I would. If it’s a dream do it! It’s quite an experience.
Q: What’s your advice to the Zimbabwean youth?
A: My advice to any young person anywhere in the world especially in Zimbabwe is, believe in your dreams and believe in God taking you there. Remember that success is when preparation meets opportunity and opportunity comes with persistence. The more you keep at something the more likely you are to succeed at it.
Q: What’s one thing people would be surprised to know even after watching you on Big Brother Africa?
A: I’m very real, so the person you see on TV is the person you get in reality.
Q: What do you do to relax?
A: I work and when I’m done working I work some more.
Q: Is JJ single and what do you look for in a partner?
A: I’m married to my dreams. Yes I am single and when it comes to a partner I ain’t looking. Guess it’s what God brings me.
Q: Where can your fans reach you?
Any of my social media profiles! Or subscribe on my website for updates and downloads:
https://twitter.com/JeromeoJJ
https://www.facebook.com/pages/JeromeoJJ
https://instagram.com/jeromeo_jj
https://www.youtube.com/channel
http://jeromeojjofficial.wix.com/jeromeojj
