KINGSTON, Jamaica — Although his roots are deeply entrenched in music, recording artiste Projexx, initially wanted to pursue sports as a career.

His father is music producer Lloyd ‘John John’ James while his grandfather is veteran producer and owner of the once prolific music label Jammys, Lloyd ‘King Jammys’ James.

“The decision (to pursue music) was solely mine still. They wanted me to focus on sports once upon a time because I was good at it also but music kept calling me so I pushed through and proved myself to show them I could do this. It’s been nothing but support since then,” Projexx said in an interview with Observer Online.

Last week Projexx released the summer banger Sweat via Warner Records, a unique blend of dancehall, Afrobeats, Trap and Pop. It was co-produced by Cadenza.

“Sweat was born from text messages between me and a female. We were basically talking about what we are going to do to each other when we link up. So I basically said with all that talking you have, let’s link up in person and make our fantasy our reality,” Projexx explained.

He spoke about the recording session for Sweat.

“(It was) definitely one of my favourite sessions of all time, quick and productive the melody and the concept came to me like magic,” Projexx disclosed.

The steamy video for Sweat (directed by Daniel Eguren) captures a private dance in the boxing ring for the young legend.  Sweat will be accompanied by two official remixes. Warner South Africa signed DJ and producer Yumbs (whose credits include Muni Long’s “Made For Me” Amapiano remix and Ciara ft Chris Brown’s “How We Roll” remix) will infuse an amapiano sound into the track on June 14. Then, Ape Drums (one-third of DJ/production trio Major Lazer) will jump on board for a revamp of the song on June 28.

Projexx was a featured artiste on “True Love” from Wizkid’s seminal Grammy-nominated album Made in Lagos.

Sweat is Projexx’s first unveiling from his forthcoming debut album, slated for release later this year via Warner Records.

Asked whether he had any expectations for the song, Projexx said “I really just want the song to maximise its true potential and that my fans enjoy it to the fullest.”

Born in Kingston, he travels between Jamaica and Florida.

“I’ve been going back and forth from Jamaica to Florida for over five years and I’ve been living here officially for like two years now and I love it so far. It’s a vibe. I love the fact that I can work with so many different people, sounds and talent. It helps with the versatility of my sound,” said Projexx.

Asked whether being a part of a musical dynasty made it easier for him recording wise, Projexx said “It has its benefits of course, but that won’t be enough you have to bring something to the table as well.”

— Kevin Jackson