Meet Jerry Agbinya | Artist, Sound Engineer and performer

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

Hi Jerry, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose an artistic practice as a career because it was the only thing I felt I could pour my efforts into that didn’t feel like it was draining me in return. Sure it feels like that sometimes, but it was and still is the part of my life that consistently rewards me with happiness, pride and contentment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write, produce, record, mix and master my own music and music for other artists. I think the all-encompassing nature of my practice (in that I engage in all of the processes involved in creating and releasing music from end to end) is what sets me apart from others. I’m proud of the immense learning that constantly takes place for me to feel that I can do these things for myself and be of service to others.

It was definitely not an easy process. Originally the DIY nature of my practice came from having few resources and few peers who were engaging in the same craft and genre as myself. This contributed to a bit of a self-doubting complex in me because I felt I was always creating in a vacuum without reference to quality or an outlet for critique.

After I released a few bodies of work and started meeting people of whom those bodies of work left a positive impression, I took more pride in the way my career began.

I think the main lessons I’ve learnt are that even one step in the direction of your goals is a success. Learning to take my time and understand that success takes more time than you would prefer was key to me getting to where i am now.

I want the world to know that as far as my craft is concerned, I have something unique and valuable to offer not only to people who resemble me in regards to upbringing and heritage but to people from all walks of life. I also want people to know that a high calibre of music and cultural capital is being fostered and resides in Australia. The afro-diaspora is remarkable here and i would love for it to be shown and appreciated the world over.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Firstly I would take them around where I live, and show them all of my usual haunts; my favourite coffee shops, record stores, parks, restaurants and bars in Melbourne.

I would make sure they come during a week when the music scene is very active so I can take them to as many live shows as possible because the Melbourne music scene is one of the best in the world in my opinion.

After i take them around the Metro area of Melbourne I think I would take them for a drive to my favourite regional city, The Mornington Peninsula. I’d most likely book an Airbnb so we can spend a few days out there going on bushwalks, going to the beaches in the area, eating great food and produce from the local markets and experiencing how still and quiet that town can be.

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?
My Family for sure. My Brothers and Sisters who encourage and support me, My parents who did their best to understand my choices as an artist, and my partner who sticks by me when the journey isn’t so rewarding.

Also, special mention to Bell Hooks and her book The Will To Change. It helped me during a pivotal time put a reason and description to a lot of the things I was feeling and gave me encouragement to disavow parts of my upbringing that I no longer identified with.

Website: Ijaleofficial.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Vte2YxYy10XUvbz0MktZg