Jumo Primo, Guyana’s reigning Soca Monarch’s decades-long-career has made him a household name and arguably one of the most internationally recognized music acts in Guyana. He has become a Mashramani cultural staple with an unmatched four (4) Soca Monarch titles to his name. Jumo boasts a lengthy list of hits including the immensely popular ‘Tik Tok’ and ‘Crazy’ recorded with Adrian Dutchin as X2,  and solo hits ‘Brace’, ‘Jiggle’, and ‘a collaboration with Stitchie Vibez Machine (the local one man band) entitled ‘Ding Dong Creakateh’.

Coming from a long line of musicians, Jumo Primo accredits his natural aptitude for music to his father’s lineage. The self-taught singer got his start performing with bands such as ‘Jerusalem Mischievous Guys’ and ‘Mingles Sound Machine’ but believes that he came into his own as artiste during his fourteen-year run with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires (the Jamaican SKA, Calypso and Soca band). He described the experience as enriching and edifying and spoke of touring some 52 States during that time. He would later return to Guyana where he formed the Group X2 with his friend Adrian Dutchin. Dutchin’s migration to the United States would set them both on the path to solo careers, but X2’s contributions to local music will impact generations to come.

Ageism and conspiracy theories are just some of the issues that have threatened to mark the determined artiste’s immensely successful career. Whether faced with the favoritism controversy of the 2019 Soca Monarch competition or the ageist’s call to retire, his attitude has remained the same. Jumo said that his attitude toward these obstacles is to rise above them and become stronger. He opines that the best way to answer the naysayers is to let the music speak for itself.  He spoke of his fourth-place finish in 2019 and explained that his 2020 Monarch winning song ‘Trample Them’ was written the very night in response to the loss.  The song indeed elicits an emotive reaction and likely played a major role in Jumo’s Monarch win. He has faced other controversies including musical attacks from other artistes to which Jumo responded that he does not have energy for negativity. He described himself as being unreachable by these issues since he prefers to stay in his own lane and focus on building his brand.

Jumo Primo went deep when he spoke of the challenge of monetizing the musical craft in Guyana’s unique economic environment, and how the coronavirus pandemic heightened the situation. He explained that he, like most artistes in Guyana, rely heavily on performances to earn, and with the pandemic, that avenue has been badly impacted. The determined entertainer has however branched to other entrepreneurial activities. He opened the 592 Club which was also closed due to the pandemic but has now resorted to an outdoor bar and grill to ensure that he can still earn and take care of his family. He continues to make music and has even opened his own music studio to give him more control over the music he creates.

Jumo explained however that balancing all his many roles is challenging, and explained that the hardest part is missing valuable moments with his children. He plans to expand his business to the point where he can employ more people and get more time for his family.

When asked to describe the Jumo Primo sound, the artiste expressed that his is more of an energy than a sound. He explained that he writes all-inclusive family friendly music.  His brand is indeed characterized by its inclusiveness and his use of authentic Guyanese lingo. Jumo’s expert use of puns and other such literary devices allows him to sing of the most raunchy and erotic topics in a manner that it can be consumed by audiences of any age. Whether he is stirring the pot with the classic “Pot a bun Pot a bun” chant or the ‘Ding Dong Creakateh’, these songs are touching on very provocative topics but are just fun dance-a-longs to the young.

Jumo is going nowhere soon and continues to make waves in the industry. He recently released yet another hit called ‘Rockutucks’ and plans to continue making music since it is his life. To other aspiring artistes, Jumo urged that while they can be inspired by his story and that of others, they should always remain true to themselves. He also stressed the importance of humility, a trait he believes that has significantly contributed to his own personal growth and success.

1. Trample Them Jumo Primo 0:45

2. Ding Dong Creaketeh REMIX ft Stitchie and Yoruba Singers Jumo primo 0:45

3. Isabela Official Video - Jumo Primo ft. Kady Kish undefined 0:45

4. Brace Jumo Primo 0:45

5. STIR DE POT JUMO PRIMO 0:45

6. Nosey People Jumo Primo 0:45

7. Video: X2 feat. Gillo - Tick Tock undefined 0:45

8. Crazy X2 0:45

Caribbean Entertainment Hub wishes to congratulate this artiste on his successful career thus far and look forward to covering more of his journey in the music arena.