Jubba is determined to be a ‘survivor’

Rising dancehall artiste Tevaun 'Jubba' Taylor, the 2023 Magnum Top Performa winner, released a new single titled ' Survivor' last Friday.

Produced by Andrew 'Bandit Jack' Jackson in collaboration with Catalog+ Music Group (CATA+) and Jussbuss, the track delivers a compelling narrative inspired by Jubba's own journey of survival as a young artiste growing up in a tough Jamaican community.

Jubba shared, "It is a song inspired by hardships faced by me as an unemployed 25-year-old in a volatile community with a dream to make music, no matter what. There have been many incidents that could've gone badly, but I survived, and I'm still surviving."

Emphasising his experience growing up in Gregory Park, Portmore, the dancehall deejay said the many young men who do not make it to the end goal heavily influenced the track.

"Some switched, some lost and can't find, some died in front of us; and as much as we cry and curse, we can't change the past. It is a daily reality for so many people, and I'm proud to represent that in my music," he said.

Since his breakout win on Magnum Top Performa in July 2023 and performing on the Reggae Sumfest stage, Jubba has remained committed to sharing his authentic stories of resilience, perseverance, hope and ambition. Survivor, which was recorded at the new Catalog+ Music Group Studios, and mixed and mastered by Joshua Famous, reflects these themes, encouraging others to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles, and then some. The dancehall deejay anticipates that people will relate to this message of being a survivor.

"The theme of this song is to never give up on your dreams, no matter what you face," Jubba said. "Even though many bad things happened, I've survived and will continue to survive, because I want to be able to make my family live luxuriously. We should be glad we have survived and do it not only for ourselves, but for all those who couldn't make it but genuinely wanted to see it happen."

The accompanying music video, which was directed by Keanu 'ShotbyDeth' Gordon, offers vivid visuals that showcase life within Jamaica's often-challenging socio-economic landscape.

The single is available on all major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and YouTube. The team behind the release expects the single to resonate deeply with everyday Jamaicans facing the struggle, offering solace and motivation to keep pushing forward.