Bio
DJ JAYSUN OZAO, also known as JayOhAye, is an independent writer, sound designer, and digital storyteller from the San Francisco Bay Area. Born into a musical family, he was surrounded by instruments from all over the world at an early age. His mother, a classical pianist, taught lessons from the living room while his father, an audio engineer, produced records from the studio. Naturally, this sparked a passion for sonics which evolved into making beats and playlists. In 2015, he left California to attend college on the East Coast, where he currently resides. Since 2020, he has released several instrumental projects: The Cosmic Dawn, Moonchild, the Soundtrack, Side B: The Lost Files, Computer Kid, Pride, FREE THE LAND!, and Kaleidoscopic. To keep up with all this work and more, subscribe to the newsletter, add him on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, and follow him on Apple Music, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
FAQs
Favorite instrument(s)?
Drums… especially West African percussion elements such as the djembe and bongo drums. I believe the rhythms produced by these instruments have the power to tell stories, preserve traditions, and connect us with our ancestors. They also have a huge influence on the way I play on the beat machine.
How many projects do you plan to drop in 2023?
I’ve got about six or seven beat tapes ready-to-go in The Vault, so you’ll definitely be hearing those in the near future. I’ve also been collaborating with more recording artists, and have even recorded some slaps myself that will be dropping all throughout the year.
Zodiac sign?
Sun: Libra ♎️
Moon: Sagittarius ♐️
Rising: I lowkey forgot and I need to find out what time I was born 🤔
Most annoying sound?
Dog whistles. Please don’t play that sh*t around me unless you want to fight.
Morning ritual(s)?
Pray. Meditate. Stretch. Medicate.
Go-to munchie meal?
Blended açaí with strawberries, bananas, blueberries, granola, coconut flakes, and hazelnut cocoa spread.
Favorite artists from the Bay Area?
Rexx Life Raj, Kamaiyah, E-40, Larry June, Mozzy (technically from Sacramento), Keak Da Sneak, Prezi, Luniz, Mac Dre, Queen Foreigner, Saweetie
Favorite producers?
J Dilla, 9th Wonder, Terrace Martin, KAYTRANADA, Knxwledge, Liv.e, Damu The Fudgemunk, DJ Blackpower, keiyaA, Navy Blue, Madlib, Matt Martians, Metro Boomin, Timbaland, Boi-1da, Southside, Q-Tip, The Alchemist, Sarah, The !llstrumentalist, Mustard, Nujabes, Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, P-Lo, WondaGurl, Flying Lotus, Salaam Remi
Favorite instrumentalists/composers?
Sun Ra, Nina Simone, Pharoah Sanders, Miles Davis, Robert Glasper, Fela Kuti, Roy Ayers, Mulatu Astatke, Alice Coltrane, Lonnie Liston Smith, Yusef Lateef, Dorothy Ashby, Babatunde Olatunji, Ebo Taylor, Ahmad Jamal, George Clinton, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Billie Preston, Quincy Jones
Favorite emcees/lyricists?
Mos Def, Lauryn Hill, Black Thought, Tupac, M-1, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Jay Electronica, Sampa the Great, Andre 3000, MAVI, Lupe Fiasco, Meg Thee Stallion, Lil’ Kim, Noname, Saba, Queen Latifah, Big K.R.I.T., Mick Jenkins, Akai Solo, Pink Siifu, Dizzy Wright, BbyMutha, MIKE, Rah Digga
Favorite singer/songwriters?
Erykah Badu, Minnie Riperton, Jazmine Sullivan, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Deniece Williams, Whitney Houston, Donny Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Sade, Anita Baker, UMI, Kehlani, Jhené Aiko, D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Nao, Frank Ocean, Raury, Sampha, Masego, DRAM, Solange