Liberian Music Jon bricks has been quietly making waves with his brand of music all the way from China and creating much buzz with it. The Beijing based star shares his music thoughts and plans on upcoming album with AMM.
AMM:Can we meet you?
ZAMA: I’m Jon Bricks, Liberian international Musician based in (Asia-China). Born October 13, 1984 in Monrovia, Liberia. A Family man and a father of two beautiful girls. I’m a Musician, social reformer, philanthropist and a business man.
I currently run a Charity foundation that helps give back to the less privileged kids in Africa (Liberia precisely) called Zama Plus Foundation international based in Liberia, I’m also the owner and founder of Zama record international.
AMM: How did music start for you ?
ZAMA: Music started at an early age for me, around the 9- 12years at age 12 ,I started rapping to famous hiphop songs at the time. Back in high school I always use to sit at the back of the class and freestyle when it’s free time and all of my classmates will put their lunch money in the trash basket to hear me rap more for them. It was my true beginning, later I started performing at high schools Olympics, back to school jams and installation balls, from there i became a house whole name in school the , it’s where I got my name Bricks because Bricks are solid and stronger and are used to build beautiful houses n mansions in the world, it’s a popular block use to develop, every brick wants to be something great until it reaches its completions. So the name I choose as rapper given to me by fans was worth it because I’m always pushing for greatness.
AMM: What does music mean to you ?
ZAMA:Music means a lot to me most especially when I’m lonely or sad music heals me immediately. Without music I wonder if I would have come this far. I also listen to music and get inspired because I love hearing the message and sounds together so for me music is everything.
AMM: Who were your earliest music influence ?
ZAMA: Wow! My earliest music influences were; RUN DMC , Snow from the song Informer, LL cool J, Coolio, and then later came Pac and Biggie.
AMM: How would you describe your kind of music ?
ZAMA: Well for me music is universal so I actually don’t differentiate once it’s good music but for genres I will see my kind of music as Hipco, which is Liberian local vernacular mix with Hiphop that’s hip for hiphop and Co for Coloqua. But I mostly do dance music but I’m a versatile artist I love doing different things n sounds. So over all I’m a Afro rap artist.
AMM:What was the first song you ever made ?
ZAMA :My first recorded song was with my boy Beware on his album Use da side, i collaborated with him on many songs on his album then but officially my first Hit song that brought the Name Jon Bricks into lamb light in the Liberian music industry was called ” Just be there” alongside with my crew New dynasty on the Tom Holder Hipco Vol.2 mix tape, that was 2006. This is was a major hit in and out of Liberia with in the diaspora and it serves as a Slogan on the Lips on many up till present.
AMM:How has it been working your record label , what further plans are in store ?
ZAMA : My record label is doing great, it has been launched over a year plus and it’s an independent label that reaching for higher goals and has plans on signing talented artist as it expends.
AMM: What is the inspiration behind the forthcoming album ?
ZAMA:There’s a lot, it’s gonna be inspirational, entertaining and emotional because I had a bad start this year of which I just lost one of closest friend 1-Kilo who died few weeks ago, he has been with me on tours n in some of my studio sections so thinking about that makes it emotionally working on my new album but it’s gonna be Great with GOD’s help.
AMM: What is the weirdest thing fans can find out about you?
ZAMA: Well weirdest thing is that I love people but most time I love my personal space, being alone at home or studio or just being in my zone once I’m not performing or out, I don’t like too many unnecessary friendship that’s not my thing , my family, fans and few friends are just ok for me, anything else is just too much, not because I’m proud but I was raised to the mindset of minding my business and focusing on my growth and weaknesses.
AMM:What goes on your mind when you go on stage ?
ZAMA: When I’m on stage the first thing that runs through my mind is to deliver the best performance ever at that moment for my fans . I want them to get their time and money’s worth of every minute , seconds. And hour.
AMM: What’s the song currently on repeat on your playlist ?
ZAMA: Well I have my own song ” Conqueror” on repeat on my playlist, I love this song because it also inspire me n motivates me. When I recorded it last year it was right after I did my diva dream alive concert in Liberia along with my Chinese artist Zheng which was a huge Success with over 20,000 people at the event. It inspired me a lot n I bless GOD , I normally rap in all my songs but this one I choose to be different n try something new which I did, I also did the video in Italy- Milan during my 6 countries European tour n it was Awesome, I’m Grateful. Thanks to my wife who has been my background supporter in this project.
AMM: Where do you see yourself in the five years musically?
ZAMA: I see myself on a Bigger picture 5 years from now both as a musician and CEO. I see success and goals accomplishments.
AMM: Which African Artist would you like to work with ?
ZAMA :I listen to a lot of african artists n I quite like a few but for collaboration I would love to work with Phyno because I love his style and music delivery.
AMM:What words do you have for your fans ?
ZAMA: All I can say to my fans is keep doing what U have always been doing by supporting me and continue being there , I won’t disappoint U guys as always I will deliver exactly as U have known me over the years n even more, keep tuned because the best are yet to come, I love all of my fans , U are the Real MVP’s . Keep shinning
AMM: What should we expect from the album ? producers, collaborations?
ZAMA:This album is going to be legendary from the songs to the productions and everything , I don’t want to say much because I want to work to speak for itself but it’s gonna be the dopest album ever, that I can guarantee. Thanks
