Jay Melody Quits Music After ‘Nakupenda’ Success’

19 December 2023

[Jay Melody/YouTube]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

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Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and recording artist Sharif Said Juma, better known as Jay Melody, has once again stunned the music industry with his unexpected announcement of quitting music.

This marks the second time in five years that the "Nakupenda" hitmaker has walked away from the spotlight, leaving fans and critics alike with a sense of confusion and intrigue.

Jay Melody Humble Beginnings to Bongo Star

His journey in music started far from the glamorous world of recording studios and sold-out concerts. He initially worked in Mjengo, a bustling informal sector in Tanzania, before his passion for music finally led him to Tanzania House of Talent. Rejected three times before finally being accepted, Jay Melody's perseverance paid off. He rose through the ranks, showcasing his captivating vocals and songwriting skills, ultimately becoming a beloved bongo artist.

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Jay Melody's career took a significant leap in 2019 with the release of his hit single "Sugar." The infectious melody and playful lyrics resonated with audiences across Tanzania and beyond, catapulting him to mainstream popularity. He followed up this success with a string of chart-topping hits like "Nampenda," further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the Bongo Flava genre.

In 2019, just as his career was reaching new heights, Jay Melody made the surprising decision to quit music. Financial constraints, coupled with the loss of his mentor, the late Ruge Mutahaba, weighed heavily on him. This hiatus from music lasted for a year and a half, leaving fans wondering if they would ever hear his captivating voice again.

Fortunately, Jay Melody's musical hiatus was temporary. In 2021, he returned to the music scene with renewed vigor and released a string of new hits, including ""Nitakudanganya"" and ""Nisamehe."" He also collaborated with other prominent bongo artists, further solidifying his presence in the industry.

Now, in 2023, Jay Melody has once again announced his departure from music. His Instagram post, simply stating ""I quit music,"" followed by a prayer hands emoji, sparked a flurry of reactions. While many expressed their sadness and confusion, some speculated that this move might be a calculated publicity stunt to promote his upcoming projects.

In a prior interview, Jay disclosed that after Ruge's passing, he encountered challenges securing gigs, affording studio time, and managing other expenses. Struggling with mounting bills, he made the difficult decision to abandon his musical aspirations and return to manual labor on construction sites.

Although Jay's musical journey commenced at a young age, he believed he needed to establish himself as a successful businessman first. He held the conviction that without influential connections, navigating Tanzania’s music industry would be insurmountable.

""I initially gained recognition as a songwriter. I worked on songs such as 'Hallelujah' and 'Njiwa' for Willy Paul, as well as 'Ndata' for Nadia Mukami,"" he revealed in a previous interview. He chose not to release these songs himself, recognizing his novice status in the industry and fearing they might not gain traction.

His impact on Tanzanian music and culture goes beyond his catchy tunes. He has become a role model for aspiring artists, demonstrating the power of talent, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. His journey, with its ups and downs, serves as a testament to the passion and dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of music.

While Jay Melody's latest announcement has left fans questioning the future of his musical career, one thing remains certain: his undeniable talent and captivating presence have left an indelible mark on the Bongo Flava scene. Whether he chooses to remain away from music or return once again to the stage, the journey of Jay Melody continues to be a captivating story of talent, resilience, and the ever-evolving landscape of African music.

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