Jazz Sanusi

Artist

“REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE CULTURE DON’T WAIT ON BIG INSTITUTIONS TO RECOGNIZE THAT”

Hi Jazz how are you?
 I'm doing really well actually I just came back from a long overdue holiday to New York City and Jamaica which was a perfect recharge for all that is to come in 2025. 

That sounds amazing! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your journey into music?
I'm Jazz Sanusi a music artist, with a background in psychology and also active as a creative strategist in the communication industry. You could say I'm a wellrounded creative who blends her interests in different forms. My journey was pretty clear from a young age as I was definitely a kid who loved entertain people. As a kid I was always singing eventhough until this day it is not clear from where I gathered this deep love for music for as no one from my family is that much into music.

During my forming years i spend a lot of time in the after school music school but can admit I wasn't the best student as was to eager to perform rather than studying the theory. After a lot of debating I didn't go on to study music but went on to study Psychology which is very aligned in my interest in people's mind and why we do certain things consciouscly or unconsciously. All the knowledge I've gathered from music really comes from surrounding myself with talented musicians, vocalist, producers, engineer who really upleveled my understanding of music and definitely spend a lot of time touristing at the conservatories in Belgium forever questioning if i had made the right decision. As a young teenger I spend a lot of time being part of other bands, collectives and vocalists which was a lot of fun but in 2022 I got the opportunity to start my own project as Solo artist Jazz Sanusi.

From there everything started to sky rocketed. I spend 3 months really crafted a show of my own music with an amazing band and the show was so succesfull that i got booked a lot from there on out. The only thing was that I hadn't released any of tmy own music, yet. I kind of worked in reverse as I was performing all original music but nothing was set ot release anytime yet. That's where Trix came in I got selected to be an artist in residence in 2023 and devoted my time to finishing my EP which came out in October 2024. My debut ep Tender Toughness which i'm now touring with a full band and it brings me the most joy ever. 

Which element of making music do you enjoy the most (writing, performing, conceptualizing, recording, etc.)?
Definitely writing and performing. I've been so fortunate to be surrounded by musicians who really get my sound and also can elevate is. That's why I know jamming and freestyling, feeling out what is stuck in your body and brain and putting it into melody and lyrics is so cathartic and therapeutic. That only expands when you get to perform those songs for a live audience, to be able to connect with people, bring them food for thought, comfort, understanding and space to allow emotions they might have been neglecting is such an exhilarating experience. 

The music industry can be quite challenging. How do you stay authentic in an industry that is constantly changing and saturated with overconsumption?

Yes that is definitely an understatement. I guess I'm still figuring that out as i'm going through it. It all comes down to finding a balance for oneself and making your own non negotiables. Because I've definitely found myself going in overdrive way to often in order to try and fullfill to pressure that comes along with doing it all, at once, by yourself. But just have to trust that feeling in my gut that i know that i was made for this and it's not a choice, i have to do this because it's a part of me. Staying true to yourself also just means being kind to yourself and allowing yourself to rest, ground, reflect and come back in full mode, which really the back bone of my ep Tender toughness where I just want to create a space where vurnerability and resilience can coexist in the same space, same person.
Spotify or Apple Music?
Honestly i use Spotify but i should actually make the shift as you see how undervalued it treats songwriters and artist but it remains a good marketingtools. 

You're not only an artist but also a strategist. How do you combine the two?
Yes as mentioned i studied psychology and went on to execute that in a creative sector. i always like to say i work in front and behind the camera or like on and off stage in the creative sector. I definitely needs a lot of planning and determination for making it all work but like to do it and that's not always common as an artist side hussle. I work mainly as a freelance for projects/brands and companies that really suit me and also my interest as a creative. It also allows me to understand the corporate industry on a way deeper level.

You’ve performed in various venues. Is there a performance that stands out as particularly memorable? Why?

Performing in Deroma was really cool as it is right in the neighbourhood where i grew up, so it was always a goal of main to play there. It is also just such an iconic venue and to be on the same stage an artist like Robert Glasper, Gregory Porter, TLC is so surreal

What is your favorite venue to attend concerts yourself?

I really enjoy smaller venues as they tend to feel so up close and personal, such as the blue note in nyc, but also Trix here in Antwerp. 

What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their own voice and style?

Don't limit or narrow yourself too soon, be open to explore, play, experiment with different artists. Knowing what you don't like is also so valuable.

What can we look forward to?

I'm really excited to play at bigger venues and festivals in 2025 ( putting it in the universe) like this friday 21/3 you can find in AB which is such a lifegoal of mine with jabane sessions. So shout out to BONA LÉA for curating and adding me to this amazing line up. Can't wait to get on stage with the full band at 21H, so definitely come through if you can. 

Tell us something to inspire the culture!

Remember that you are culture, you and your friends, you and your family, you and your vision so don't wait on big institutions or big media to recognize that. Come together with all that feel that same from the ground up power of community and that is where only good can come from.