At the close of 2023, Jaya Gordon-Moore bid farewell to her criminology class at Long Road College for the final time, prepared to embrace her new journey as a full-time artist. Fast forward to today, the newly named JayaHadADream is on the brink of becoming one of the most remarkable talents in UK rap. Having just revealed two nominations for the Youth Music Awards, with her mixtape 'Happiness from Agony' set to launch at the end of the month along with a headline tour, she expressed to Clash: “everything I have done has led up to this project.” Her debut EP, 'Redemption Songs', elevated the sharp-witted former teacher-turned-emcee into a league of high-caliber artists just over a year ago, following her victory in Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition. This breakthrough project featured defining tracks like ‘Twiggy’ and ‘Stubborn’, bringing her to the notice of some of grime and hip-hop's most influential figures. Recently, she collaborated on JME’s ‘Owe Me One’ single with Frisco and Flowdan, and participated in Red Bull’s Raise the Bar Cypher alongside Chip, Kibo, and Kasst, experiences that have refined the artistry of the 24-year-old.
'Happiness From Agony' represents the next step in her already illustrious career. Its polished lyricism and vibrant energy intertwine seamlessly over a diverse range of production styles. Maintaining a consistent vibe across different genres and BPMs is no easy task, yet Jaya and her prominent collaborations accomplish it with ease. Over a two-hour conversation connecting Salford’s Media City to Jaya in her cozy home in Cambridge, we delved into the significance of her matriarchal upbringing, her musical influences, and the thrill of releasing a new mixtape and embarking on a tour.
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It has been a significant week of announcements for you! How do you feel right now?
I feel a tremendous sense of relief, though I wouldn’t say I had any negative pressure. I’ve been aware of the youth music nomination since the start of the year, and I had to keep it under wraps. I’ve been working on the mixtape for a year and a half, with everything I’ve done leading up to this project.
Let's discuss your background. How and where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Barnwell area of Cambridge. While Cambridge has a reputation for middle-class affluence, I believe every city has its rough areas, and CB5 was ours. I was raised by my mother in a single-parent home, which I consider a matriarchy, especially since my Nan lived nearby.
I come from a working-class background, receiving free school meals. Being the only black person in my family on my mum’s side and other social issues meant I had to be outspoken, which has greatly influenced my music.
What motivated you to become an artist?
The primary reason I began rapping was my deepening involvement in the grime scene through friends, inspired by artists like Nolay, Skepta, and JME, who embodied the DIY spirit of grime by freestyling on the streets. My friends and I mimicked that.
For my birthday, my Nan gave me Logic, and since then, I’ve been recording since I was sixteen. She instilled a strong work ethic in me and supported me financially.
My mum also played a significant role in my musical influences. She loves hip hop, particularly artists like Nas, 50 Cent, and Kanye, and would play their albums constantly in the car.
A pivotal moment was joining the hip hop society at Nottingham University, which really helped develop my music as I began performing.
What is your earliest memory of music?
We used to listen to Kisstory in the car. One time, a song by CeeLo Green and Kelis called ‘Little Star’ played, and even today, it evokes a mix of sadness and happiness in me. It was the first time I recognized that music could give me goosebumps.
As a child, I often cried to songs, particularly those by Michael Jackson and Damian Marley – especially ‘There For You’, which made me happy. It may sound odd, but that was when I realized there was a genuine connection between me and music.
What genres and artists do you love, and how have they shaped your music?
I enjoy a lot of music from the 80s. My mum, who was born in the 70s, introduced me to many artists from that era, including Kate Bush, Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Whitney.
My sisters influenced my taste outside of hip hop; they went through phases of enjoying Panic at the Disco and My Chemical Romance, artists that taught me different writing styles.
I also appreciate more contemporary alternative music, like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tame Impala, and Hak Baker. I’m drawn to anything that
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At the conclusion of 2023, Jaya Gordon-Moore bid farewell to her criminology course at Long Road College for the final time, prepared to embark on her journey into being a