Jesswar
Jesswar
Musical artist
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]
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]
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 their debut mixtape, Life's Short, Live Big.
Mixtapes
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Life’s Short, Live Big |
|
Extended play
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| TROPIXX |
|
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.
National Live Music Awards
The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognise contributions to the live music industry in Australia.
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] |
- "Jesswar Is the Fijian Rap Rebel Who Wants You to Know Your Power". them. 12 May 2021.
- Butler, Nicole (18 January 2013). "Big day out for Sneeky Picnic". news.griffith.edu.au.
- MTV News Staff. "Jesswar Transformed Her Anger At Being Overlooked Into 'Venom'". MTV News.
- Newstead, Al (14 October 2021). "First Play: Jesswar taps viral rapper Erica Banks for Rihanna-inspired 'BAD LIKE RIRI'". triple j.
- "Jesswar on TikTok". TikTok. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- "Watch: Jesswar - FELL IN LOVE". PILERATS. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- "Jesswar Announces Debut Mixtape 'Life's Short, Live Big'". MusicFeeds. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
- "Nominees Announced For AIR Independent Music Awards 2022". musicfeeds. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- Tyler Jenke (5 August 2022). "Genesis Owusu Wins Big At The 2022 AIR Awards". MusicFeeds. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- "Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023". Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
- "King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards". Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- "Nominees Announced For The 2023 National Live Music Awards". The Music. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- 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.
- "Have Your Say in This Year's Rolling Stone Australia Reader's Choice Award". au.rollingstone.com. 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.