Meet Jessie Simmons | Afro-Caribbean Artist | Singer, Songwriter, Vocal Producer, Mentor & Host

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

Hi Jessie, why did you pursue a creative career?

For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong passion for music that has been with me since I was young, and has always been a significant part of my life. I started singing when I was three years old, joining a few gospel groups in Ottawa and continued singing throughout high school. And from there, I just kept going. I did not see music as a hobby anymore. It became my reason.

Music has a unique ability to speak to the soul and convey emotions and feelings that are difficult to express through words alone. I feel like I found my voice through music, allowing me to communicate thoughts and emotions in a way that feels authentic and true to who I am.

Becoming a singer may was a natural path for me to follow as I continue to explore my love for music and develop my skills and talents. For me, singing is a powerful form of self-expression, allowing me to share my passion, my culture and creativity with others.

Overall, I found my calling in music and singing. Following my passion and pursuing my talents, is allowing myself to grow and thrive in a way that feels deeply meaningful and fulfilling, with hopes of inspiring others.

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.

As an Afro-Caribbean artist who has been singing her whole life, I think I have a unique perspective and set of experiences that sets me apart from others in the industry. My cultural background and upbringing have influenced my choice of musical style and approach to my craft, bringing a fresh and distinct flavor to my music.

My heritage and cultural identity are a part of who I am as an artist, and they are reflected in my music. My sound is influenced by a diverse range of genres, including R&B, Konpa, salsa, zouk, Afrobeats and more, allowing me to have a dynamic and versatile style that is uniquely me.

My lifelong dedication to singing has allowed me to hone my skills and develop a style that is authentic and true to my voice. I think my passion for music and commitment to my craft are evident in my performances, setting me apart as an artist who is deeply invested in her art.

I want to say that the combination of cultural identity, musical influences, and dedication to my craft makes me a standout Afro-Caribbean artist. My unique perspective and talent are sure to continue to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression in the industry.

The road was absolutely not easy. In the last ten years in my career, I encountered a lot of wins, losses, encouragement and disappointments. Not everyone in the industry is for you. I can’t tell you how many people I met that made me want to reconsider my career, by taking advantage of me, broken promises and overall just wasting my time! I had to remember why I started and why I have to keep going and overall just trust God because I know He is not finished with me yet. Throughout the challenges I had to overcome, one valuable lesson I had to learn along the way were to learn the business and to invest in myself. I always had something in the way of music, like life. I remember I had to work full time, attend school full time and I would perform almost every weekend to pay off my tuition because I did not qualify for student loans. It was a humbling experience. That part of my life made a significant impact in my career today. You see, you have to also put in the work, you need discipline because success does not come overnight. Keep growing as an artist, continue to perfect your craft and God will do the rest. So I started my research on how I can better myself as an artist and reach a new level in my career. I started putting more work, consuming the right energies, surrounding myself with likeminded people and others that would push me to grow, I started collaborating with other creatives, I started to utilize my resources, attending shows and studio sessions just to study, I even still take singing lessons, and the blessings just started to overflow. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed but I prayed for this! I am no where near where I want to be, but when I look back to where I came from, God is truly amazing. I now have my music playing in rooms that were never really made for my style of music, and I find that so inspiring for anyone who wants to get in the music industry but does not know how to start. Find your passion, invest in your passion, and just do it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Alright, if my best friend is visiting then here would be my itinerary for a good time: first we would hit up JTM Resto bar because the food and vibe there is amazing! Go shopping, because who does not love shopping? I can spend a day in Sephora. Next, Wednesday nights, hit up HQ for SaxNSip, wings and wine as we are serenaded by some good music. If the weather is nice, we can have a picnic on the Major Hill park. I love making cocktails so we can make dinner and cocktails for the evening. To end the week, we can go get our nails done and then we can go to Koena Spa or Nordik Spa for a relaxation day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are so many people I want to thank individually for the impact they have had on my career and the completion of my album, but here we go ( I really hope I don’t forget anyone): First and foremost, I need to take a moment to praise God for all that He has done and what He will continue to do in my life. Like everyone else, life has been extremely challenging, many days I don’t know how I made it here today, but one things for sure, two things for certain: I never would have made it without my God. Next I want to give a huge shout out to my mom, being the child of a single mother has built me into the strong independent woman that I am today. She thought me that I always have to work hard for what I want and to always trust God. I seen how hard my mom worked for my sisters and I and one day I pray I will be able to provide her everything she needs. I love that woman so much.

Next I want to thank the following people for the love, support, efforts, encouragement, guidance etc: husband, Latoya, Jeff Sanon, Olivia, Deb, DJ Velvet, KPac, Dydy, Tricky, Keka, Bernie, Doressa, Erah, EBG, MM, Peggy Civil, my friends and family (those I did not mention but I am sure you know exactly who you are… so sorry if I forgot your names). As you know, the road was long, the road was hard but you guys have played a significant impact in my life and in my music career. From conversations, coming to my shoots/shows, coming with me to my studio sessions and shows, listening and sharing my music; y’all really push me to keep going.

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and contributions to my music career and album. Without your help, I would not be where I am today, and I am incredibly grateful for all that you have done for me.

Your guidance, mentorship, encouragement and constant sacrifices have been invaluable to me throughout my journey as a musician. Your belief in my abilities and potential has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and reach new heights in my music career.

Your contributions to my album have been instrumental in making it the success that it is today. Your expertise, creativity, and hard work have brought my vision to life and helped me create a body of work that I am truly proud of.

I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me. You have been a crucial part of my music journey, and I will always be grateful for your support and contributions. I look forward to continuing to work with you all and creating more music together in the future.

Website: https://www.jessiesimmonsmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiesimmonsxo/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessiesimmonsxo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsjessiebabyy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScnJS79LS-hH8FZbSUF_-Q

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessiesimmonsxo

Image Credits
@trickyslens – 1,2,3,6 @santogrial_photographe – 4 @amyjulesphotography – 5