Forget the tired trope of the starving artist. Ghana’s music scene is experiencing a surge of fresh energy, and at the forefront of this movement is the innovative collective SuperJazzClub.
Formed in Accra in 2018, SuperJazzClub, a collective of six musical mavericks – (BiQo, Øbed, Seyyoh, Tano Jackson, Joey Turks, and Ansah Live) united by a shared passion for artistic exploration and a desire to push creative boundaries.
In this month’s feature for the Y Radar, SuperJazzClub discuss their origins, their unique collaborative process, and their exciting new chapter with Human Re Sources.
SuperJazzClub’s story began organically, fueled by a desire to create a space for artistic expression that defied limitations. “We came together through interconnected friendships,” explains the collective, “and we created this group to explore our art with no holds barred.” This sense of artistic freedom is evident in their music, which defies easy categorization and blends diverse genres into a truly unique sound. This commitment to artistic freedom is the driving force behind their music, a sound that effortlessly blends electronica, hip-hop, and traditional Ghanaian rhythms into a captivating sonic tapestry.
Finding a cohesive voice amidst such diversity was no easy feat. So, how does a group with such diverse creative backgrounds manage to find a unified voice? SuperJazzClub’s strength lies in their ability to trust each member’s judgment and embrace experimentation. “The duality of what we have was achieved over time through experimenting to find a sound we are all happy with and we know intuitively when we get there,” they share.
Their name, SuperJazzClub, isn’t just a catchy moniker; it’s a metaphor for their creative process. As John Lennon famously said, “The Beatles were four guys that loved each other.”SuperJazzClub embodies that same spirit – a collective spirit that celebrates the power of unity in artistic expression. As they put it, “Essentially, we had become a club, a group of people that were meeting regularly to chase a common vision.”
SuperJazzClub’s music is a sonic collage that defies categorization, blending genres and pushing creative boundaries. Their eclectic and experimental sound is driven by a desire to innovate, seek new ways of expression, and challenge themselves as artists. “Exploring different sounds and genres allows us to experiment with new musical ideas and push the boundaries of art is our core,” they explain.
Their collaborative process is a harmonious fusion of individual perspectives and collective vision, with each member contributing their unique talents – from production to songwriting, visual arts to creative direction. “Our collaboration does not take one specific form,” they explain, “sometimes we build ideas together and have a jam session, other times we work on things individually that come together to refine it.”
SuperJazzClub’s journey has been marked by critical acclaim and international recognition, with their previous releases garnering praise from tastemakers globally. “It feels like a blessing,” they express, humbled by the acceptance they’ve received beyond cultural barriers.
Their journey has been paved with memorable moments, like the time they manifested a performance at a European festival. “We were just joking about playing there next year,” they recall, “and then – boom! We got the offer and ended up on that very same stage.”
Recently, SuperJazzClub secured a partnership with Human Re Sources, a Los Angeles-based artist services and distribution label popularly behind British artist, Raye and who also fueled Asake’s meteoric rise to global acclaim as well as Uncle Waffle’s steady incline. This collaboration, they envision, will help expand their reach and visibility on the global music scene, with Human Re Sources’ array of partners in various regions poised to introduce them to new markets.
“We were looking for a team that truly gets our vision,” they explain about the collaboration. With Human Re Sources’ global network, SuperJazzClub is poised to expand their reach and establish themselves as a major force in the international music scene.
The future is brimming with possibilities for SuperJazzClub. They’ve been busy crafting new music, and as they put it, “we’ve been pouring our hearts and souls into it for months.” Their latest releases, “OFF,” and “911” are prime examples of their sonic evolution. “It’s pure SuperJazzClub,” they say, “a sonic collage that showcases the full spectrum of our sound.”
With no expectations set, SuperJazzClub’s ultimate focus is on creating the best music they possibly can, allowing listeners to experience it in their own ways.
SuperJazzclub more than just a band; they’re a movement defying definitions. This is a true demonstration to the power of collaboration and artistic freedom. As their music continues to evolve and their reach expands, one thing is certain: SuperJazzClub is a name you won’t soon forget.
