Today we’d like to introduce you to Jumbee.
Jumbee, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Jumbee, started back in 2013 officially when I had just gotten a MacBook and started funneling all my music into virtual DJ, I then started djing for my teammates in the dorm room, something small but everybody enjoyed the vibe. Then, started djing for pre-parties, and kickbacks but It wasn’t until I transferred to FIU and got involved with Caribbean Students Association (CSA) where I started to see what possibilities could really come from this. I started getting into the Producing side of things back in 2016 so that is still relatively new for me.
Let’s start with the name “Jumbee” because there are a lot of people who don’t know what it means, and if you’re from the Caribbean realm you probably would like to know why this man calls himself that, lol.
So, for those unaware of how it’s pronounced (Jum, like Gum but remove “G” and add a “J” and bee Like bumble bee) a quick history lesson for those who don’t know what a “Jumbie” is.
It’s a spirit, typically an antagonizing spirit in my Culture, my family and I are from Trinidad and Tobago. It really derives from “Moko Jumbi” a West African term that has been brought over to the Caribbean. Moko is an Orisha (God) Jumbi was added post-slavery but its “Zumbi”/”Kazumbi” Kikongo resp Kimbundu, which means “spirit of a dead person”. Moko Jumbi is the God of retribution whos tasks was to watch over his villages, due to his towering height he could foresee danger and evil before it arrives. They Say Moko Jumbi has walked from Africa to the Caribbean with centuries of experience and lives to this day in the heart of every African descendant. From those who were in slavery and brought up in colonial days to today, Jumbi walks the streets every year for Carnival to celebrate his freedom. History lesson done.
How I got the name was one night around some friends and family I was bothering everyone jokingly, of course; I’m really goofy once I’ve warmed up to you. But, one of my friends referred to me as a Jumbie because I kept bothering everyone. Jokingly, I was like well I am a Jumbie and proceeded to harass everyone lol. From there it stuck. Once I took the time to look into what a Jumbie really is God, Powerful, Protector, Knowledgeable, let’s not forget tall and me standing at 6’4, I saw no problem with aligning my brand with that name. If you know me I always push for the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora you hear it in the music I like my affiliations and how I act, How it ties to Africa makes it mesh well for me. All in all, let’s not forget I’m wicked behind the turntables and when I’m djing the party goers are under my control and I’m officially “jumbeeing yuh vibes”.
Furthermore, I became a member and apart of the executive board of CSA Caribbean Student Association and Alpha Phi Alpha while in college and being apart of those groups gave me a platform and the audience I needed to build my fan base. They gave me the necessary push I needed to take myself, my craft, and my brand seriously. Putting me in connection with so many different people I saw how I can expand and take what I’m doing to the next level. Getting involved with everything from events, event planning, fundraising, community outreach, networking, performing you name it.
Today, I’m working on bringing my brand “Afrobbean” to life in many new exciting ways other than just a mixtape series; as well as the brand of Jumbee the DJ and Producer. I’m currently working with “The Ikomboy” an afrobeats artist from Nigeria who’s currently in Dubi once logistics and all the political things are worked out I’ll be touring with The Ikom boy in the near future as his official DJ. Go check out his latest song on all platforms “504 South Ft. Spotless – Jones The Ikomboy” So, there are many new exciting things brewing up for Jumbee some things I can’t really can’t speak on just yet but stay tuned to watch everything unfold.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road it still isn’t smooth and there are sooo much more ways to go but we make the best of what’s in front of us. I’ve gotten the door slammed in my face by more people I can count time and time again but once I realized that I was my own biggest obstacle certain things started falling into place for me and I’ve been able to maneuver and position myself a little better.
One of the things that I struggle with and Its the main thing to this day is “Consistency” once anyone masters the formula for consistency at whatever it is you do, that obstacle that was once in your way will be viewed as a fly on the wall.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am Jumbee.
I’m mostly known for DJing and Producing in the South Florida region in the college scene (moving away from that to a wider fanbase) from DJing to putting on events. I specialize in culturally forward sounds that stem from Africa and the Caribbean, US, and abroad. What I specialize in is bringing people together, I believe one thing that sets me apart from others is my musical catalog as well as my network.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would stay consistent.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jumbee@vigilantesound.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jumbee_/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_jumbee_
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/jumbeemusic
Image Credit:
@SundayMediaTT, Nick Vega @Vegv_
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