Brooklyn-based, Jamaican-born DJ and producer Jah Teff says he’s gearing up to release a six-song digital EP titled “Up The Music Vol.” on May 10.
The project, produced under his “Up Deh Music Productions” record label, features a dynamic lineup of dancehall artists and showcases Teff’s signature riddim.
Teff said he wants to use the EP to bring authentic dancehall energy to global audiences while building his legacy in the genre.
He told Caribbean Life on Monday, May 5, that he was inspired to create the EP after receiving strong feedback on a single he recorded with former Penthouse singer-songwriter Twiggy.
“I produced a song titled ‘Careful’ with Twiggy and me that was recorded on my dancehall riddim,” Jah Teff said. “I was doing an interview and played the track, and the consensus was that I needed to put other artists on the riddim,” Teff explained.
“So, I gathered some of my artist friends and made a juggling EP,” he added.
The EP features tracks from dancehall veterans Future Fambo, Mr. Lexx, Jah Teff, Thugsy Malone, and Sugar Banton.
Of the six songs, Twiggy’s single was released through VPAL, while the remaining tracks will debut together on the May 10 release. All songs were recorded in New York.
Jah Teff, a talented singer and songwriter, said he launched his music career in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
He said his first significant recognition came in 1987 when he won “Best Song” for ToothAche at the Great River Talent Show.
The following year, he won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) talent show, now known as The Big Stage Competition.
Determined to build a lasting career in music, Jah Teff said he relocated to Kingston, the Jamaican capital, where he met dancehall icon Bounty Killer.
He said their collaboration on the single Exercise, released on the Scare Dem label, became a hit in Jamaica, the UK, and the US.
Jah Teff said his follow-up single, Got To Get Away, further solidified his presence in the local music scene.
He said his breakout moment came with his performance at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, which caught the attention of Barbara Barabino, founder of Ragga Muffins Productions.
Jah Teff said he was soon booked for the Ragga Muffin Bob Marley Day Festival in Long Beach, CA, where he shared the stage with Burning Spear, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Shaggy, and Anthony B.
Over the years, Teff said he has collaborated with renowned producers such as Don One, Jah Life, Ed Robinson, and Future Line Records.
In 2006, Kyle McDonald of reggae band Slightly Stoopid produced “See It No Other Way,” a track featuring Barrington Levy, which was included on the band’s “Closer To The Sun“ album.
Jah Teff said about his fan base, “When I check my Instagram and other social platforms, my biggest fan base is in Europe, Canada, and here in New York.“
Currently promoting the soon-to-be-released EP in Florida, Jah Teff said the single is receiving radio play on stations like Supa Jamz and Flex FM.
He said talks are underway to get it played on major platforms, including HOT 97, Irie Jam, 99JAMZ in Miami with Waggy T, and RoadBlock Radio.
Jah Teff said the official EP launch is slated for August in Brooklyn to coincide with Jamaica’s Independence celebrations.
“I’m in negotiations with the venue owner,“ he disclosed. “Once I lock things in, an announcement will be made.”
