Based: Johannesburg

Jay Em is the musical identity of brothers, Waven and Ruwayne Sebia. Companions of Sound Gallery alumni, Sean Munnick, the two brothers started pursuing music production and DJing seriously in an effort to continue the legacy of Sean’s brother, Neelan Munnick, who passed on in 2014.

The brothers are the fresh fruits of a close-knit community of producers from Port Elizabeth exploring a style of house which commercial radio is not too familiar with. Where Gqom batters with stripped back rhythms, Jay Em’s productions bounce with thick synths over 4/4 rhythms and shuffling hi-hats, snares and cymbals. It’s a contemporary and cohesive interpretation of deep house and UK garage with bits of funk, soul, RnB, and jazz.