Da’Ja has partnered with Musik Radio Promotions to carry their message to all parts of the globe. The song, Da’Jay, has been well received through the radio promotions campaign and has even been picked up by BBC stations.
At an early age performing with such artist as Anita Baker, Force MD’s, Chapter 8, and The Time, as well as legends Martha Reeves and LJ Reynolds, John Smith came up with the concept of combining the forms of Jazz, Funk, R&B, and Latin. Which birth the form know now as “Latin Funk”. His vision of the genre came to be after the tragic death of the artist Selina. From that moment John internalized his vision and proceeded to go forth and create the sound that dwelled within him.
John is the writer/composer of all music and the Founder/CEO of Da`ja Entertainment, the band Da`ja plays the music. John is the lead drummer. Our mission is all about building bridges between musical genres, generations, races, and cultures, past and present. What people will discover when they listen to their music? “It is Love, says John, as having such a mindset enables our production environment to be more conductive for innovative things to happen.
John graciously got up close and personal with Musik and Film:
What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far?
John: The opportunity to glorify God through the art of Jazz music.
What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?
John: Craftsmanship and the learning of the artist’s trade.
If you could make 1 change to the music industry, what would it be?
John: Fair pay to the artist for their hard work and treatment with integrity and respect. Not when they are famous, but for the very start.
What do you want to always be remembered for?
John: The Love in the music.
Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?
John: Ports, traveling, and working with my hands. I’m a builder by trade.
What made you want to pursue a career in music?
John: Growing up in church and hearing the music from the choir. Those sounds always uplifted me.
Do you play any instruments?
John: Drums, percussions, trumpet, and guitar. Drums are my dominate skill.
What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?
John: Learn the business and practice your craft.
How would you describe your music?
John: Latin-Jazz-funk
What are your goals where do you want to take your music
John: Combining the Genres of Latin, Jazz and Funk into one sound.
Where do you see your artistry going in the next 5 years
John: Having a worldwide influence! Going straight to the top!
What has been your best and your worst moment during your career so far?
John: Band members! LOL
If you had the chance for the world to hear one song what would it be?
John: A unreleased song i wrote to my mother, “Thank You”.
Anything else you really want to say?
John: “Musik and Film, Get us on the path to greatness!”
Da’Ja is on the path to greatness with their unique approach to Jazz. Stephen Wrench, producer of platinum albums says” Da’Ja is one of the best Jazz bands I have heard.” There will be much more heard from Da’Ja!