A matter of hours stand between this article and our next 1 More Thing festival takeover. All roads lead to Wales, all roads lead to Big Love!
Our line-up is stacked beyond measure: Aries, Mrs Magoo, Kaya Fyah, Jessi G-Shellz, 4K, Glitchgirl, Rua Tui, Ransom b2b Sheppa D, Double A Side & Rhi N B, Blondy, Zoner, Jackson, NonRev, Kaybee and NoDave comprise the full musical menu. Expect full trimmings and more new-gen talent than you can shake your raving shoes at…
It doesn’t get more new-gen than Kaya Fyah and Jessi G Shellz. In fact they only started performing together on January 4 this year!
“Ever since our first link up at Hootananny Brixton it’s changed our lives,” beams Jessi, the DJ of the duo. “We’ve become a team, we travel around together and keep having these spiritual experiences.”
“It’s been incredible,” adds vocalist and host Kaya in harmony. “We’ve done some epic things. I’ve gone to many festivals in my time, I grew up among them, but a lot of the ones we’ve played this year I’ve never been to before. So there’s been a lot of surprises and really cool and cute things along the way.
It’s important to note that while flexing as a new operation, this is neither Kaya or Jessi’s first rodeo. Daughter of jungle pioneer and the scene’s most ardent and passionate godfather Congo Natty, the jungle life is all Kaya Fyah has ever known. An integral member of the Jungle Cakes crew since its inception, Jessi has devoted her life to the craft and culture, too.
Now working together, something magic has been amplified in the mix. And a lot of it is down to pure positivity and a wholesome slab of sobriety.
“I’ve stopped drinking and Jessi stopped too,” Kaya explains. “It’s changed the game for me, I’m more aware of what’s going on. And because of this we are having more cohesive and connected conversations. We’re taking in everything that’s going on and really valuing everything and giving thanks. Along with Annie, our photographer, my friend who I’ve known for years and years, we’ve become this cute little unit, going to all the shows and enjoying the journey together.
“It’s a spiritual connection,” adds Jessi. “The connection with the world, the universe, God, each other. Every new person we meet, every connection we have means something to us and now we can take the time out to really appreciate that and show our gratitude.”
You can show your gratitude to Kaya and Jessi on Saturday at 8pm on the Fire Engine as we play and slay for the whole day. But if you’re expecting a cavalcade of the typical D&B fuck offs and middle fingers (as has been the trend for many in recent years) then please make alternative arrangements… Kaya and Jessi transmit on a much more positive frequency.
“The general message of rave culture is to get as mash-up as possible, right?” Kaya observes. “We don’t want to encourage that.”
“We’re giving a message of love vibration, feeling good about yourself, feeling confident and having love for yourself. Flip the script and make it a positive experience. Less of the middle finger and more of the heart please. When you’re in the rave and you’re hearing f-off and the MC is swearing, that’s not we’re about. We’re meant to be role models to inspire the next generation and we’re saying that on the mic? Have some dignity and cleverness in your lyrics! It’s the wrong frequency to give to the people. We’re shutting that whole thing off and pressing the on button for love and light.”
Expect love and light on full beam throughout Saturday July 20 especially when Kaya Fyah and Jessi are performing. We’ve caught the pair at a very special moment of their journey and so much more is set to come from them very soon. More on that when the time is right. For now we wrap up with five things Kaya and Jessi love about the music and festival culture right now, summer 2024.
Memories
“The memories that are made with our friends and our team! So much love for Annie Tobin, the experience is always epic when we get together! Thanks to Ed Solo, Izachar, Ishen, Culprit, Speaker Louis, Vadim, Scuffed, Zoro and everyone else who has made a banger with Fyah to add to the set. Massive shout out to TFree, too; Kaya Fyah’s Dub Jungle collective, who have joined us on a few shows and are a big part of Fyah’s life.”
Connections
“The post-show conversations with people who felt the message in the show and through Kaya Fyah’s lyrics mean so much to us and are so inspiring.”
The sound systems
“Warm bass and connectivity through the vibrations coming out the speakers. It’s essential!”
Playing unreleased music
“Watching people vibe to it and actually sing along is the best. It’s wild to us that they even know the words!
The production
“We’ve played on some beautiful stages this summer and we especially love all fire and lights. Fire for Fyah, of course. We would love a bubble show at one point. That would be the cherry on the top of the cake… Imagine if they could be heart shaped!”
Send bubbles: Kaya Fyah > Jessi G Shellz