In between prepping and rolling out new music for anxiously awaiting fans, Jay Electronica is making his press rounds. During a trip to Nigeria, the Roc Nation rapper sat down with The Morning Rush show hosts, Olisa and Maria, on The Beat 99 to speak on his new mission in Africa, music, influences and hot-button global personality, Kanye West.
Check out some of the most interesting excerpts:
On his mission in Nigeria:
“Like any black man in America, I was disconnected from myself and from my family and that’s why I’m here in Nigeria, to reconnect with my family. I’ve been disconnected for a long time, so more importantly than the music that’s the main reason why I’m here. The music is secondary.”
On being influenced by Fela:“
“I grew up with my Mom playing Fela. Of course like nowadays I’ve heard of the Don Jazzys, the Ice Prince, the Wizkids, but when Nigeria pops into my mind, the first thing that pops into my mind is Fela which is a beautiful thing to pop into anybody’s mind. Like I said, I’m back home. The music is secondary, but I’m here to connect. Primarily, or I would say, specifically on behalf of Roc Nation, bridge building. But generally just bridge building between the black people in America and back here. It could be Don Jazzy or it could just be a guy in the basement somewhere on the mainland. I’m willing to work with whoever’s available to work.”
