Jenz Williams is a conscious Afro-fusion artist whose sound is deeply influenced by his personal life experiences and a commitment to authentic storytelling. His work goes beyond entertainment; it inspires self-reflection and connection, encouraging audiences to embrace perseverance, self-awareness, and pride in their heritage. With a captivating blend of melodies and meaningful lyrics (messages), Jenz aims to create a unique space for his listeners to find strength and grounding in their journeys. He also seeks to connect with people on a deeper level through his art.
Jenz is primarily known as an artist who speaks openly about family and life’s challenges. His long-time listeners often recognise him for his song "Why I Hate School," which showcases his ability to connect with audiences by exploring personal and educational struggles.
Jenz Williams was born in Kogi State, Nigeria, on May 25, 1997. However, he spent most of his childhood in Kano State, where he attended nursery and primary school. His family later moved to Akwa Ibom State, where he began and completed his secondary education.
Jenz grew up in a polygamous family, where his father was often absent. He first got to know his father after the family relocated to Akwa Ibom State, but their relationship remained distant. This absence profoundly impacted Jenz, fueling his desire to create a balanced family dynamic in which both parents are fully present for their children. He describes himself as "A Son to be Dad," which reminds him of his commitment to being there for his family. His childhood experiences have deeply influenced his identity and are reflected in his music.
Jenz Williams grew up in a region of Nigeria where music was not widely encouraged. For most of his childhood, he lived in the northern part of the country, where he was primarily recognised as an aspiring footballer. His family, especially his mother, believed he was destined for a career in sports. However, when health issues derailed that dream, his path took a significant turn. It was when he attended high school in Akwa Ibom State that he discovered his true passion for music.
These pivotal moments in his life enriched his experiences, which became the foundation of his songwriting. For Jenz, songwriting is the essence of music; to be an exceptional songwriter, one must have stories worth telling. Life has provided him with many such stories, shaping his artistry and inspiring his work.
Jenz Williams began his musical career in high school, where he started singing and rapping, particularly during the variety shows held on Fridays when students had some free time. As a drama club member with a few friends, they would perform, rapping and singing while receiving cheers from the girls, who hyped up whoever had the best performance. However, he considers his professional music journey to have begun in 2019 when he committed to dedicating himself fully to his craft.
Jenz Williams has no formal training or education in music and does not currently play any instruments. However, he plans to learn to play the guitar soon, although the timeline remains uncertain.
While Jenz Williams did not have direct mentors during his early musical journey, several artists significantly influenced him. Notably, Vector Tha Viper, M.I Abaga, and Adekunle Gold played crucial roles in shaping his sound and approach to music.
Jenz Williams has encountered personal and professional challenges throughout his music journey. Growing up in northern Nigeria, he was expected to pursue a football career, but health issues led him to shift his focus to music. When he began his professional career in 2019, he faced difficulties affording studio time, securing demos, and finding performance venues. To overcome these obstacles, he took the initiative to host his events, creating opportunities to showcase his music.
His experience with MBA for Africa introduced him to the business side of music, boosting his confidence while testing his self-belief. These challenges have shaped him into a resilient and self-reliant artist who embraces obstacles and perseveres without making excuses.
These challenges have fostered resourcefulness and resilience, prompting Jenz Williams to create opportunities and embrace independence in his career. They have also enriched the authenticity of his music, inspiring him to write with purpose and determination. Additionally, these experiences have shaped his perspective, reinforcing the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and adaptability—qualities essential for navigating an industry that often tests them.
The MBA for Africa program, as it is formally known, was presented as a significant opportunity for emerging underground artists. This was the expectation Jenz Williams initially had, but the reality was different. The program primarily functioned as an experiment for the students, with many of the songs already written before the selected artists, including Jenz, were brought on board. Jenz was fortunate to be chosen alongside eight other West African underground artists to collaborate on an album, where students managed the A&R, legal documentation, and oversight as part of their project and assessment within the Music Business Academy (MBA). Jenz’s role in the program was to be an artist and, more importantly, to capitalise on the unique experience it offered.
Working with MBA broadened Jenz Williams's understanding of the business side of the music industry. It fostered a strong belief in his craft, instilling confidence in his ability to sustain himself through music. Additionally, it enabled him to collaborate with various creatives on different projects. Most importantly, this journey taught him the courage to embrace uniqueness and understand that it is acceptable to approach things differently from others.
Working with MBA for Africa had a significant impact on Jenz Williams, both personally and professionally. The experience enhanced his attention to detail and highlighted the importance of understanding that contracts often favour the party that drafts them. Surrounded by incredibly creative individuals, he questioned his creativity and uniqueness. Although he felt that he did not contribute significantly to the album and did not see himself reflected in it, this experience ultimately motivated him to develop a stronger belief in himself. He recognised that self-belief inspires self-confidence and encourages others to believe in him. Should he find himself in a similar situation in the future, he is confident that the outcome will be different.
While Jenz Williams feels that he hasn't yet gained significant recognition, he points to his song "Why I Hate School" as a key track that initially captured the attention of many of his followers. Although he has since removed it from streaming platforms and is considering reworking it, the song had a notable impact. Additionally, his track "Daddy's Princess" helped him reach a broader audience and was also the submission for the MBA project, marking a significant step in his career.
Daddy's Princess is one of Jenz Williams' works that received notable public and industry acclaim.
Jenz Williams initially gained attention as a rapper, incorporating rap into nearly every track, which resonated with a significant portion of his audience. However, he also attracted listeners who preferred his singing. While his audience has long appreciated his rapping style, Jenz has since evolved into a sing-rap style he particularly enjoys. He believes that, over time, this shift will resonate more widely with his audience, although he acknowledges that some listeners may still prefer his singing. The extent of this preference is still uncertain.
Jenz Williams’ musical style can be described as dark Afro-fusion infused with pop elements. His work is deeply rooted in storytelling, blending influences from Afrobeats with contemporary pop elements. While Afro-fusion forms the foundation of his sound, he prefers not to confine himself strictly to any genre. Instead, he allows the music to guide him, responding to each beat’s unique inspiration and the beauty it reveals. This open approach enables him to create without being restricted by genre boundaries.
Recurring themes in Jenz Williams’ music include love, perseverance, and messages that encourage family unity. His biggest inspiration, notably, is his partner.
Jenz Williams’ sound has evolved significantly over the years. He began his journey as a rapper but has since transitioned into a more melody-focused artist, embracing a versatile approach to his music.
Jenz Williams sees himself as a versatile artist. His recent record, Many Men, marks a clear departure from his usual sound, a shift he pursued intentionally. He thrives on experimenting and pushing boundaries within his music.
Jenz Williams' most recognised tracks include "Grinding," followed by "Daddy's Princess," and "Hold On", featuring Wendy Kay, a standout single from the MBAFORAFRICA album. Although he has previously released mixtapes, he has yet to release any professional projects. However, with an EP set for release later this year, he is excited to share more of his sound with his audience.
Jenz Williams has received notable recognition, including the "New Kid on the Block" award and the title of "Artiste of the Year" in 2021 from the Eket All-Stars Awards in his local government area.
Jenz Williams finds a sense of pride and fulfilment in every release, whether it’s a song or any other expression of his craft. While he doesn’t yet have an official project or full body of work released, he highlights "Soja" as a song he's particularly proud of. This release captures his current mindset and marks a significant personal milestone in his artistic journey.
Jenz Williams has participated in a few notable collaborations with other artists that hold significant value for him. Although he does not actively seek collaborations due to the time and energy they require, he has worked on several tracks with artists he met through the MBA for Africa program. These collaborations include a song with Jordanstyls, another with Wendy Kay, and some unreleased tracks with Rozzz and Dela.
Outside of music, Jenz Williams is also a certified scriptwriter, having completed a six-month course in scriptwriting at Lagos Film School. He is passionate about watching comedy skits and enjoys a good laugh, reflecting his lighthearted nature.
Jenz Williams views his personal life as the foundation of his music career, with his music serving as a reflection of his true self. Unlike being part of a larger industry where there is constant scrutiny on balancing personal life with a music career, Jenz often forgets he is an artist. He prioritises living a life that brings him genuine happiness rather than conforming to an image that validates his role as a musician. Ultimately, he sees himself as an individual who creates music rather than allowing the label "artist" to define him.
The passing of Jenz Williams' elder brother, who died at the age of 25 when Jenz was just 20, had a profound impact on both his music and career direction. This loss inspired him to embrace authenticity in all aspects of his life, recognising the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death. It encouraged him to live fully rather than merely exist. Alongside this personal tragedy, his health challenges have also played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of his music career.
Jenz Williams has not actively focused on his impact on the music scene or his genre. His primary focus has always been on creating authentic music and staying true to himself.
Jenz Williams knows that his music has influenced some artists. Although no one has publicly declared him their inspiration, his fans often express that his music serves as therapy for them.
Through his music, Jenz Williams aims to leave a legacy based on authenticity and empowerment. He aims to inspire others to embrace their true selves, celebrate their unique stories, and pursue their passions without fear. Through his work, he seeks to foster lasting connections and motivate people, creating an impact that lasts well beyond his time.
Jenz Williams is currently focused on his upcoming EP, "A Son To Be Dad." This project is significant in his daily thoughts and creative process, as he dedicates most of his time and energy to its development.
Jenz Williams envisions his music evolving to incorporate a broader range of influences and styles while staying true to his core message. He plans to explore new sounds and collaborate with diverse artists to enhance his artistic expression. As he continues to grow personally and professionally, Jenz aims for his music to reflect this journey, creating deeper connections with his listeners and inspiring them through his experiences.
Jenz Williams is not signed to any record label but has a partnership with the UK-based brand Resparkit, which he considers to be like family. Resparkit supports his vision and plays a key role in helping him strategise and transform his creative ideas into a tangible reality.
Jenz Williams' journey in the music industry is a testament to resilience and authenticity. After transitioning from an aspiring footballer to a dedicated artist due to health challenges, he faced significant obstacles, including difficulty securing studio time and performance opportunities. However, he overcame these hurdles by organising his events.
His music is deeply influenced by personal experiences, particularly the loss of his brother, which drives his commitment to living authentically and inspiring others. Through his partnership with Resparkit, Jenz is further developing his artistic vision, blending personal storytelling with themes of empowerment. This combination makes his work both relatable and inspiring to his listeners.
Jenz Williams' work is worth following and appreciating because it captures genuine experiences and emotions that resonate with a wide audience. His music is crafted to entertain, inspire, and empower listeners to embrace their true selves. Each song tells a story rooted in his journey, highlighting challenges and triumphs and fostering a strong connection with his audience. Additionally, he pushes his artistic boundaries by experimenting with different styles and collaborating with diverse artists, offering a fresh and evolving perspective. Ultimately, Jenz aims for his music to connect deeply, encouraging others to find strength and authenticity in their lives.