There’s no way you haven’t heard the name Jay Sean, especially if you’re a millennial, and even if you’re bad with names, you’ve definitely had his music earwormed into your brain back in the late 00s. Born Kamaljit Singh Jhooti, the British singer-songwriter initially hit the scene as part of the Rishi Rich Project in 2003, with the track Dance With You reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart that same year.
In 2009, Jay Sean brought his electropop- and Bhangra-infused R&B sound Stateside with his American debut single Down featuring Lil Wayne, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 – making him the first South Asian artist to ever top the chart – and swiftly propelled him to airwaves and clubbing stardom. If you’re anything like us, you’ll also remember his iconic tracks like Stolen, Ride It, Do You Remember featuring Lil Jon and Sean Paul, Eyes on You, and Maybe.
Let the Y2K nostalgia hit you in the face this Thursday, October 2, as Jay Sean takes the stage with a one-night-only performance in Hong Kong! We had the pleasure of having a quick chat with him before he hits up The 33, where he shares his creative process, what makes music from the 2010s hit different, and his plans in Hong Kong outside of the club!
Can’t wait to dive into dim sum marathons, get lost in the neon jungle, soak up the skyline from the harbour, and maybe sneak in some late-night street food adventures – Hong Kong is always a great time!
I will be in market and I haven’t been to Hong Kong for so long that I wanted to come and perform for my fans. Sometimes those intimate shows are even better! You can expect all the classics and high energy! It’s gonna be a party.
For sure, my sound has definitely evolved, and I think that’s natural as an artist. Some sounds and styles eventually feel outdated, and it’s tempting to chase whatever’s trending at the moment. But for me, the focus is on creating music that sticks – songs people can come back to years later and still feel something real.
I experiment and grow, but I never want to lose that timeless core my fans connect with. One thing that always remains constant is that you know what you’re getting when you press play, and that’s my signature sound.
Hard to believe, right? My creative process has pretty much always been the same. I never chase a song and I never force a song. I can go into the studio thinking I’m gonna write a ballad, but might not even emotionally be in the mood to authentically write a ballad, therefore I only write songs when inspiration hits me and it flows easily. I believe that there is a certain magic in the creativity process and when everything aligns, you can just pull it out of the ether.
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Thank you so much! It is definitely a milestone in my career. It’s hard to pinpoint why some songs stick and others don’t. Why some songs become classics and others might get forgotten within a week. However, there was something magical about the timing of this song. Some pop songs from the 2010s hit that sweet spot of catchy hooks, big anthemic production, and relatable themes – and of course Down was played all around the world every hour on every radio station, so it was hard to escape it!
I think it’s a song that if you liked it then, it almost got woven into your timeline. Perhaps that’s why it has that powerful nostalgic element that makes people still listen to it to this day.
Ride It will always be a personal favourite, not only because of the song itself but also its significance in my personal life. It is the first song I wrote when I went independent and also the song that got me signed to Cash Money and moved me to America. It, of course, then went on to get remixed and became one of the biggest dance songs in the world 11 years later!
However, one of my personal favorites is actually a lesser known song called Jameson from my album ‘The Mistress 2’. I’m very proud of the writing and music video for that.
I’d love to see the industry continue moving toward true inclusivity – where artists from all backgrounds aren’t just celebrated for breaking barriers, but are part of the fabric of mainstream music without needing to explain or justify their identity. The goal is for diversity to feel natural, not exceptional, so the next generation of artists can focus fully on their creativity and storytelling without limits.
My label was born out of a desire to create a space where South Asian artists can thrive without compromise. We focus on nurturing talent, giving them the creative freedom and resources they need to tell their stories authentically. My goal is to help them build sustainable careers, break into new markets, and have their voices heard on a global stage – while making sure their culture and identity are celebrated, not sidelined.
Veyah from America and Akiera Jade from the UK are two of the artists that are really beginning to break through and create their own fansbases. This is just the beginning!
Time is really about realizing how precious every moment with the people we love is. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life, but the song is a reminder to slow down, cherish those connections, and make the most of the moments we often take for granted. It’s heartfelt and personal – I wanted it to feel like a conversation with someone you care about, celebrating love, presence, and the small, meaningful memories that actually last a lifetime.
I will continue to be dropping songs regularly as I have been, there is no actual release date for an “album”. I believe in continuously giving my fan base music, not making them have to wait for ages till the next time that they can get to enjoy my songs!
Special thanks to the Music Fest Asia Group for the wonderful PR and making the shows happen!
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