KINGSTON, Jamaica — When he pursued legal studies at the Norman Manley Law School, Antiguan reggae artiste Jaygo said he had to adjust to life in Jamaica.

“It was definitely a different experience. Jamaican culture is intense — in the best way. The way people express themselves through dance, music, language, even just how they move through life… It’s unapologetic and deeply authentic. I admired that from early,” Jaygo told Observer Online on Wednesday.

He continued, “Adjusting came naturally to me, though. You know, when you get to UWI (University of the West Indies), the usual advice is to stay on campus for safety — but me? I wanted to feel Jamaica. So, I made it my mission to be outside. I was eating jerk chicken on the corner, vibing at dub clubs, exploring downtown Kingston, even catching route taxis like a real yardie. I wasn’t just studying law — I was living the culture. Those experiences helped me understand the heartbeat of the island, and they definitely shaped who I am today — both as an artiste and as a man.”

Jaygo, whose given name is Jamal Gordon, recently graduated with honours from law school and is practising both civil and criminal litigation in Antigua.

“From early on, I’ve always had a passion for helping others, which naturally led me to the field of law. Today, I practice in both civil and criminal litigation, as well as intellectual property — areas that allow me to advocate, protect and make a meaningful impact,” Jaygo disclosed.

Asked how easy or difficult it was to juggle studies and a music career, Jaygo said, “That was no easy road, zeen? Balancing di legal books and di lyrics was a serious test of discipline. But music has always been my heartbeat, and law was my foundation. I’d study during the day, and by night, mi deh pon riddim. Some people party on weekends — I was in di studio or in di library. Sleep was a luxury, but the dream kept me up. You haffi love both to survive that kind of hustle. Bless up to my family and mentors who kept me grounded.”

He shared some of his challenges.

“Boy, the pressure was real. Imagine studying torts and contract law while your phone blowin’ up from fans asking when the next track is dropping! But real talk? One of di hardest parts was feeling like I had to choose — the world sees you as either academic or artiste, not both. There were times I felt torn, like I didn’t belong in either space. But I knew I had a story to tell — both in the courtroom and on the mic. So, I stayed true to me, even when it felt like the odds were stacked.”

While he studied in Jamaica, Jaygo performed at a few open mic and university events.

“Big up UWI Mona and all di talents there! Jamaica sharpened my craft — di culture there is so rich, it’s like iron sharpening iron. Every performance, even small ones, was a training ground. I learned how to connect deeper with people, how to move a crowd with just a voice and a message,” he shared.

Jaygo is from Antigua’s capital of St John’s. He has been pursuing music from his teenage years.

“Reggae and dancehall chose me. Ever since I was young, I connected with the message — the soul, the heartbeat, the realness. It’s more than a genre; it’s a movement, a vibration. Antigua may not be Jamaica, but the culture flows through the Caribbean like blood through veins,” said Jaygo.

He grew up listening to the likes of Bob Marley, Sizzla, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammond, Vybz Kartel and Sean Paul.

Jaygo’s latest single Oh Jo was released in August. He wrote and produced the track, which is dedicated to the ladies.

“The feedback has been nothing short of a blessing. People telling me it heals them, makes them dance and makes them feel seen. That’s what music is for. In Antigua, we say “Oh Jo!” when something surprises you or blow your mind — and that’s the feeling I get when I see a woman owning her space, being confident, being real. Whether she’s natural or glammed up, soft-spoken or bold — Oh Jo is for her. For the empress who knows her worth, and even for the ones still learning it. The rhythm sweet, the lyrics smooth, but the message deep: women deserve to be uplifted, adored, respected. So, this one’s for all the queens — Caribbean queens, African queens, every queen across the globe,” he said.