Jesswar
Born1994 or 1995 (age 28–29)
Canberra, Australia
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Artist
Labels

Jesswar, is a Fijian Australian artist based on Yugambeh/Kombumerri country. Jesswar's debut single, "Savage", released in 2017 and was followed by debut EP Tropixx in 2021 and debut mixtape LIFE'S SHORT, LIVE BIG in 2022. In 2021, Jesswar was a winner at the Queensland Music Awards and the APRA Professional Development Awards.[1]

Early life

Born in Canberra, Jesswar grew up partly in Fiji and partly on the Gold Coast, Queensland. They left home at 16 years old,[2] studying music at TAFE Queensland, and later at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.[3] In 2012 Jesswar formed a four-piece pop rap band, Sneeky Picnic, with fellow students.[4]

Music career

2017-present: TROPIXX & Life’s Short, Live Big

Jesswar's first release as a solo artist was "Savage" in 2017, though they later signed with Golden Era Records.[5][6] In 2018 Jesswar performed at St Jerome's Laneway Festival. By 2019, they had collaborated with artists including Tasha the Amazon, Okenyo, DZ Deathrays, and B Wise.[7]

In 2021, Jesswar signed a global deal with PIAS Recordings and also released debut EP Tropixx.[2][8] The EP the singles "Medusa" and "Venom", the latter of which won in the hip hop/rap category at the 2021 Queensland Music Awards.[9] Later that year, they released the lead single from their debut mixtape: a Rihanna-inspired collaboration with viral Texan rapper Erica Banks: "Bad Like Riri".[10] The single gained significant traction and is trap-laced celebration of strong, unapologetic voices and the self-possessed mindset of a baddie.

In September 2022, Jesswar released her debut mixtape, Life's Short, Live Big.

Personal life

Jesswar is non-binary,[11] and uses they/them pronouns.[12]

Discography

Mixtapes

Title Details
Life’s Short, Live Big

Extended play

Title Details
TROPIXX
  • Released: 5 March 2021
  • Label: PIAS Recordings
  • Formats: CD, Digital

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Tropixx Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP Nominated [14][15]
2023 Life's Short, Live Big Won [16][17]

National Live Music Awards

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognise contributions to the live music industry in Australia.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2023 Jesswar Best Live Voice in QLD Nominated [18]

Rolling Stone Australia Awards

The Rolling Stone Australia Awards are awarded annually in January or February by the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine for outstanding contributions to popular culture in the previous year.[19]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Jesswar Best New Artist Nominated [20]

References

  1. ↑ "APRA reveals winners of 2021 Professional Development Awards". 24 June 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Jesswar Is the Fijian Rap Rebel Who Wants You to Know Your Power". them. 12 May 2021.
  3. ↑ "Jesswar: "I can walk into any space anywhere and be proud of who I am"". NME. 8 March 2021.
  4. ↑ Butler, Nicole. "Big day out for Sneeky Picnic". news.griffith.edu.au.
  5. ↑ "Introducing Jesswar and her tough-as-nails debut single/video clip - Savage". PILERATS.
  6. ↑ "Interview: Jesswar's "Savage" earns the aunties' seal of approval as the official music video drops today". 20 November 2017.
  7. ↑ "Premiere: Jesswar is on top of her game with HEATA feat. Tasha The Amazon". PILERATS.
  8. ↑ MTV News Staff. "Jesswar Transformed Her Anger At Being Overlooked Into 'Venom'". MTV News.
  9. ↑ "Here's the big winners from the 2021 Queensland Music Awards". 6 May 2021.
  10. ↑ Newstead, Al (14 October 2021). "First Play: Jesswar taps viral rapper Erica Banks for Rihanna-inspired 'BAD LIKE RIRI'". triple j.
  11. ↑ "Jesswar on TikTok". TikTok. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  12. ↑ "Watch: Jesswar - FELL IN LOVE". PILERATS. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  13. ↑ "Jesswar Announces Debut Mixtape 'Life's Short, Live Big'". MusicFeeds. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  14. ↑ "Nominees Announced For AIR Independent Music Awards 2022". musicfeeds. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  15. ↑ Tyler Jenke (5 August 2022). "Genesis Owusu Wins Big At The 2022 AIR Awards". MusicFeeds. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  16. ↑ "Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023". Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  17. ↑ "King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards". Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  18. ↑ "Nominees Announced For The 2023 National Live Music Awards". The Music. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  19. ↑ Barnes, Amelia (5 December 2011). "Rolling Stone Magazine Australia announces 3rd annual awards event". The AU Review. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  20. ↑ "Have Your Say in This Year's Rolling Stone Australia Reader's Choice Award". au.rollingstone.com. 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
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