Brothers in Beats
Jay Em is the musical identity of brothers, Waven and Ruwayne Sebia. Companions of Sound Gallery alumni, Sean Munnick, the two brothers started pursuing music production and DJing seriously in an effort to continue the legacy of Sean’s brother, Neelan Munnick, who passed on in 2014.
The brothers are the fresh fruits of a close-knit community of producers from Port Elizabeth exploring a style of house which commercial radio is not too familiar with. Where Gqom batters with stripped back rhythms, Jay Em’s productions bounce with thick synths over 4/4 rhythms and shuffling hi-hats, snares and cymbals. It’s a contemporary and cohesive interpretation of deep house and UK garage with bits of funk, soul, RnB, and jazz.
My first encounter with Jay Em was on 5FM where Kid Fonque is championing a brand of electronica and dance music commercial radio is sorely lacking in with his Selective Styles show. ‘You & Me’ was the name of the unreleased track.
A few months later the off-kilter track with its dizzying high-pitched synth melody was released as part of the duos The September Blueprint EP on Kid Fonques very own Stay True Sounds record label.
The September Blueprint is a refined masterclass in soulful deep house with a contemporary touch. Waven and Ruwayne started making beats at the ages of 14 and 12 respectively. The creative maturity definitely shows on the project and with support from the likes of Kid Fonque and his resources, Jay Em is bound to take their talent from Port Elizabeth to the rest of South Africa.
Stream and purchase The September Blueprint EP below and explore Jay Em on Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
