BEHIND THE BEATS WITH MR JAZZIQ

His talent for creating amapiano compositions has left an indelible mark on the evolving genre, captivating audiences worldwide. He talks to GQ about making music, being a restaurant entrepreneur and his ultimate legacy.

- Shannon Manuel

WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE DYNAMIC WORLD OF SOUTH AFRICAN AMAPIANO MUSIC, ONE NAME THAT HAS RISEN TO PROMINENCE – CAPTIVATING AUDIENCES WITH IRRESISTIBLE BEATS AND INFECTIOUS MELODIES – IS NONE OTHER THAN MR JAZZIQ. He has become one of the most sought-after artists in the industry and a prominent figure in the genre, consistently pushing boundaries and redefining the amapiano landscape.

Mr JazziQ’s breakthrough moment came when he co-founded the amapiano group, JazziDisciples, alongside Josiah De Disciple. Together, they released several chart-topping hits that propelled them to the forefront of the amapiano movement. Their collaborations, including “Izolo” and “Askies,” showcased their ability to seamlessly blend deep house, jazz, and amapiano elements into a distinctive sonic experience. The name JazziQ was born out of his love for Jazz, but wanting to personalise it he chose ‘Mr’ to get away from being called ‘DJ’.

Mr JazziQ began his solo career in 2020, and his debut album, Mr JazziQ 0303, wowed listeners. The album showcased his versatility as a producer and artist and featured numerous talented collaborators. His sound has become synonymous with his signature style, which combines soulful melodies, groovy basslines, and infectious rhythms. Mr JazziQ’s ability to combine a variety of musical elements and create memorable hooks has made him popular with fans all over the world.