Bio | jeromeojj

Jeromeo JJ (rapper/singer/songwriter)

Jerome Arab (born December 27, 1990) is a Zimbabwean rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and director. Jeromeo JJ first gained International recognition when his collaborated track “Party Up” with DJ Mark One was released in 2013, gaining over 112 000 views on YouTube, attracting more than 8 official remixes and several unofficial remixes, being played in nightclubs across the globe. This attained Jeromeo JJ number 10 most downloaded track in the world on Beatport. JJ has had several tracks in the top 100 Beatport tracks, holding this position for 7 days, and remaining in the top 100 releases for 19 days.

Born Jerome Arab

December 27, 1990 (age 24)

Harare, Zimbabwe

Occupation Rapper · singer · songwriter · actor · director

Years Active 2013 – present

Genre R&B · HipHop · AfroJazz· Dancehall · House

Instruments Vocals · guitar

Labels UI Records · Stoney Boy Music ·Killertraxx Muzik · Hypstery Records ·Re:vibe Music ·InHouse Records · Ikonik Music · So Good Ent. · Mojo Media · Traverse Music

Associated Acts DJ Mark One · DJ Stonebridge ·Yan Garen · Kristof Tigran· Chris Sammarco· Kingsfeld· James Sakala · Macky 2 · T-Sean · Ba Shupi · Krytic· Future 101

Website

jeromeojjofficial.wix.com/jeromeojj

In May 2015, 2 more of Jeromeo JJ’s tracks were released internationally, “Midnight Lovin” by Jeromeo JJ ft Dirtybuzz and “My Love” by Jeromeo JJ, Kristof Tigran and Yan Garen off UI Records based in the Netherlands. “Turn on the Radio” which is pending release off Todd Terry’s label in the USA, InHouse Records.

Early life

JJ was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and was adopted by Yassim and Geraldine Arab and grew up with his cousin Renee, sister Ruwaida and a few years later his other adopted sister Fosia, Jerome was always surrounded by loving and caring figures. He attended Northpark Primary School and in his last year of attendance he held the title of Deputy Headboy, as well as captain of Cricket, Hockey, Swimming and Cross country. He showed signs of being a dreamer from a young age and everything he put his head to he achieved.

Jerome has been on stage in Zimbabwe since the tender age of

six, performing in Reps Theatre productions such as ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Winnie the Pooh’. He then went onto feature in ‘The Herald’ Zimbabwe’s newspaper for his outstanding performance at such a young age.

He then focused on BMX riding and excelled within the sport locally, ranking third in his age group and winning various medals, he also partook in swimming and rugby before finding his way back to the stage.

In Jerome’s High School he focused on the performing arts and won 3 trophies in the Allied Festival of the Arts.

Career

2008 – 12: Musical beginnings and College

In 2008 Jerome moved to Manchester, England where he attended Manchester City College studying film and television and began recording music as a hobby. He began to make a name on the underground scene as a singer/rapper and went on to collaborate with several artists and producers. After college he filmed Manchester Metropolitans Green Impact Documentary Film with Matthew Stanners, which went national, there after he started a Theatre company with writer/actor Courtney Hayles called Boundless and they took part in International Festival, ‘Contacting the World’.

In 2010, Jerome performed as the opening act on Dance Live UK for Britain’s Got Talent winner Tobias Mead as well as opening for 112, Gyptian and Omarion. 2011 saw Jerome being mentored briefly by Scott Brunton who was in XFactor’s top 10 in 2008. He worked with international songwriter Ian Devany, who wrote “Been Around the World” with Lisa Stansfield on one of his singles, opening for J.P. Cooper, Tyler Daley and KOF.

In 2012 JJ recorded in Blueprint Studios, which has been the recording studio for several international artists such as Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and The Wanted. It was also in this year that Jerome opened for Raekwon in Manchester and DJ’d on Fashion TV for Manchester Fashion week.

2013: Party Up – DJ Mark One ft Jeromeo JJ

Jerome visited Manchester Midi School and recorded “Party Up” with multi-platinum selling DJ Mark One, this song has 8 official remixes and several unofficial remixes, having reached the top 10 in Beatport’s charts and charting in 3 different countries. It was then that JJ collaborated with Richard Carroll AKA Dirtybuzz with the single “Midnight Lovin” which was aired on BBC introducing Manchester and played throughout Europe. Later that year Jerome returned to Zimbabwe where he collaborated with several local artists such as, Kelly and Kurt Rusike, Simba Tagz and Reverb 7. He was then cast as a “fake” housemate in the Big Brother Africa house.

2014 - present: Underrated Individuals and BBA

In 2014 Underrated Individuals partnership was formed with producer Gordon Donaldson and registered as a record label with its headquarters based in the Netherlands. Killertraxx Musik released “Never Know” in Italy which was a collaboration with French DJ, Yan Garen, attracting 3 official remixes.

Jerome was then selected as the Zimbabwean male representative in Big Brother Africa Hotshots, remaining in the house for the entire duration of the competition being the 5th finalist.

Presently Jerome is filming his YouTube series “Building Rome” and collaborating with several outstanding international acts as well as working on his album “My Vices” which is scheduled for release in early 2016.

Artistry

Voice and style

Jerome has a leggero tenor vocal range, it is an impressive range which he executes with smooth effortless tones when singing, opening his mouth to tone rich sounds which are amplified by his flexibility as a vocalist and artist. His rapping voice has many facets, being emotion filled and heart wrenching to gruelling and spine chilling.

Jerome’s music is generally R&B but he also incorporates hip hop, pop, dance and jazz into his songs. His music is driven by his personal life and experiences, making it rich in emotion and stories.

Theatre and stage

Jerome is a well-rounded artist having a background in theatre and stage, he has written and directed several short stories and plays in Manchester after completing his studies at Manchester City College where he studied film and television.

Influences

It has been mentioned that Jerome admires Kanye West’s music and Pharrell Williams style however it is not certain what influences Jeromeo JJ’s music.

Other Ventures

Business Ventures

Jerome is a partner of the Underrated Individuals (UI) record label based in Netherlands, promoting young, talented artists who do not receive the international recognition they deserve.

Artistic Ventures

Jerome is currently producing and directing his YouTube series “Building Rome” which is released weekly, his intention with the series is to promote “underrated” artists across the globe as well as showing his day to day life as a young international act.

The reality series “ROME” which is based on Jeromeo JJ as an artist is set to begin filming in July 2015.

Discography

Singles