Jeff Fullyauto ‘firing’ across the Caribbean

Jeff Fullyauto is defying the notion that one must "dance a yard before yuh dance abroad".

The 21-year-old Clarendonian has been performing across the Caribbean over the past several months, thanks to his breakout single Big Guns and the unconventional dancehall number Dear God.

Just last Monday, he performed at the Skeng-headlined 'Protocol' event in Trinidad and Tobago, which he described as "thrilling and exciting". He's no stranger to the twin-island republic, having performed there twice before.

"I have a fan base at home but I'm largely recognised in the Caribbean, countries like St Lucia, Belize, Trinidad, Barbados and Guyana. In Jamaica, people are looking at me as an up-and-coming artiste. It's a good feeling to know I have a solid fan base not just internationally, but locally," he said.

Produced by 29Seasons/Solitary Muzic, Big Guns is a "creeper", having picked up traction seven months after its release early last year. The lyrics brag about a rifle catalogue and accompanying 'badness'. But Jeff Fullyauto switches gear on Dear God, which serves as a public prayer during a tough period which makes wrongdoing tempting. It debuted in November and was produced by producer Week.day. Unlike Big Guns, he knew the song would hit based on a freestyle which went viral on TikTok. Yet, singing about God in such an intimate and vulnerable way is not standard in dancehall.

"I understand that those songs are unorthodox to the dancehall scene, especially with the type of instrumentals we're used to. It's more of an upbeat thing that the dancehall artistes are using now, but I went different to match the mood of the song. So, it will resonate with people because they are emotional creatures. So, once dem hear something weh dem feel like dem can relate to, it a go sell," he said.

He also surveyed the market and saw where songs conveying emotional messages found success last year.

Given name Jeffrey Grant Jr, Jeff Fullyauto's moniker fuses his nickname with a firearm reference, signifying that he's always 'firing'. The Glenmuir High School past student always knew he wanted a career in music, starting out as a rapper at age 16 before transitioning to dancehall.

After leaving high school, he started travelling to Kingston to find studios in pursuit of his dream, connecting with 450 and Tru Ambassador Ent. He's part of 450's Syndicate group but also has his own movement, 777, "an angel number that symbolises greater things to come".

He draws inspiration from his environment, depicted in his latest release, Protection, produced by his manager Ragz to Richez. While his rise may seem meteoric, Jeff Fullyauto said he's been putting in the work for years and is merely reaping the fruits of his labour. Happy that "God is actually listening to me", he is eyeing to be greater for the future.