Meet JUM3E | Dancer & Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with JUM3E and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JUM3E, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The saying goes, “No Risk, No Reward” and whilst this is probably true, there are still some rewards in not taking risks; but the greater risks will bring greater rewards and the reward from playing it safely.

For me, I am currently in the midst of taking on the biggest risk I’ve ever taken… Myself.

Belief in myself, and high self-esteem is not a natural thing for me, to some it comes naturally, for me, not so much. Maybe that’s like you too? And the funny thing is people always assume that I am so confident because I am so outgoing and charismatic (from what they’ve said, I think I’m just me), but I can give support and encouragement to others 1000%, but when it comes to me… When it comes to me at my very core, I’m totally afraid. I have made so many mistakes, and over time so many things have not worked out for me, so me pursuing my passion is a huge risk for me.

A small summary of my journey has been that I have been caught up in addiction for years, and this has greatly thwarted my progress. It’s like one step forward and three steps back constantly. It’s crazy because this has been the most consistent thing in my life until this point. Trying to build on a vision whilst in active addiction is a never-ending cycle of internal self-loathing, regret and resentment. With the help of fellows, and for me, God; I have started to overcome addiction through daily surrender. It’s funny because no one ever really gets into it wanting to, it starts out as a way to just cope with life, and then it becomes life itself; however, the recovery process is just one day at a time, one step at a time.

After a hospital scare in January, as a result of my addiction, I began making significant changes – and since then I have come back to my core passion and pursuit – music and movement. Now my lifestyle is framed around this. Music and movement is not just a passion anymore, it’s a part of my purpose: to help bring healing to myself and others emotionally, physically and spiritually. My work has changed. I’ve left a full time manager position to a part time assistant role, very humbling, and not so prestigious, but it gives me more time to dedicate to my purpose.

I always keep thinking, when I die, people won’t remember me for being a great (or good, depending on who you speak to) manager of someone else’s vision and passion. They will remember my contribution to the world in the music and movement I left, and the impact I had on others. What will you be remembered for?

My most recent song ‘SAVE ME PL3ASE’, which was originally just a freestyle, is a landmark and a catalyst for the next stage in my evolution personally, musically and artistically.

Listen and watch here: https://jum3e.com/save-me-pl3ase-freestyle

It was not ‘the plan’ but it is a symptom of ‘the process’ which inevitably makes ‘the person’. This is the biggest risk of my life and career, and I can finally bet on myself to win.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Where I am right now musically, professionally and creatively is a space between creating art that speaks from the heart, impacts the body and speaks to the mind.

I am a Dancer and Singer and musically I am in a space that merges Modern R&B/Pop, Trap-soul, World music and Contemporary Christian Music – think The Weeknd meets Tyla. My inspirations range from artists like Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake, Kelis, Brandy, 6lack, Chloe Bailey, Dru Hill and Tinashe; all with the message of health, healing and faith.

I am most excited for my upcoming songs which include guest appearances from American Christian rappers Xay Hill and 1k Phew because my songwriting has changed – there is a elegance and a new found eloquence in being transparent. There is a newfound freedom of expression that is boundless! There is a range of emotions that I experience as a person and this has translated musically – I am writing songs that make you dance, that make you think and that make you reflect.

I am excited because I no longer have this weight which dictates that I look a certain way or make music of a certain style in order to be regarded as spiritually focused. I don’t have to confirm to any conventions of culture! My priority is authenticity – and that’s exactly what my songs are – authentic musical transcripts of my life as I overcome fear, addiction, depression and loneliness.

A big lesson for me recently has been about not chasing trends but remaining authentic. I have to trust myself, trust God and trust the process that things will all work out, even though I can’t fully see what that looks like right now. This has affected me musically because I am creating art that is close to my heart, not necessarily close to my pockets.

Visit my site to see my previous work:
https://jum3e.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fun question!

A weeklong trip…

We would definitely train together at the gym – I’m thinking Fitness First Baker Street or London Bridge – get a good workout in and then use the steam room for some good skincare and haircare!

I would also take you to Eazy Kitchen on Walworth Road, South London (where I grew up) and we would ‘chop’ good food! #iykyk

We would go to a few bars in Central London and meet some of my other friends and then grab a pistachio, caramel and banoffee ice cream from Creams!

Definitely have to come with me to Base Dance Studios and do a dance class with me!

Then have to go Go Karting in Hertfordshire (where I now live) and learn to take the wheel, and finally finish up at the Arcade and you’ll have to settle for losing to me at Dynamo (or some call it Air Hockey) but the Arcade version!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To my mum, Yvonne for her continued encouragement, support and patience!

To Evelyn Tsuro and the Brave Thinkers Community for their vision practice!

To my Fellowship and friends for their companionship, friendship and open ears!

Website: https://jum3e.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jum3e/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkycqk0XN7tvfnVsWqicm2w

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3nY4YIyGZjV3YLIkTId5Wt

Image Credits
Pio D’Onofrio Kian Deegan