Stay Jay
Birth nameWilliam Kojo Johnson
Also known asKojo Stylish
Born (1986-01-05) 5 January 1986
Tema, Ghana
OriginTema, Ghana
GenresAfropop, hiplife, afrobeat
Occupation(s)Rapper, singer, songwriter
Years active2011–present
LabelsASB Music

William Kojo Johnson (born 5 January 1986) known by the stage name Stay Jay is a Ghanaian hip hop and afrobeat artist, songwriter and performer from Tema. He is best known for his hit single "Shashee Wowo" produced by Ghanaian producer Killbeatz, which gained popularity in Ghana and other parts of the world.[1][2][3][4]

He won the best new artiste of the year at the 2012 Ghana Music Awards and also gained 6 other nominations.

He is one of the main pillars of Azonto in Ghana.[5][6]

Early life and music career

Stay Jay was born and raised in Tema where he began making music in his early school days. He studied at the Tema Regular Baptist School in Community 10 and then attended Tema Methodist Day Secondary School with the likes of Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Mix Master Garzy, Piesie Super, Eno Barony and many others.

He started as an underground rapper taking part in rap battles at kasahare level at a local radio station in Ghana called Adom FM. Stay Jay was signed by Unda One Entertainment under which he recorded most of his hit songs. After years of working with the management of Unda One Entertainment and signing a deal was due, he then set up his own record label which is ASB MUSIC (African StarBoi Music). Stay Jay has shared the stage with Spliff Star, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross and more.

In 2015, Stay Jay endorsed Kalahari Bitters and Airforce Bitters for Kasapreko Company Limited which he made a sound track.

Stay Jay has released several other popular singles over the years, including "My Baby", "I Dey Do My Thing", "Yenko Nkoaa" and "Feelings". He has also performed at numerous concerts and events throughout Africa, including Ghana Independence Concert hosted at O2 Arena London and the Perth Festival in Australia.[7][8] Stay Jay has also sold out concert in France, Belgium, Germany, Holland and other European countries.[9][10]

2011: Repetition album

Stay Jay first album Repetition was released in 2011 under his then record label UndaOne Entertainment. The album was an instant hit with songs like Shashee wowo and Sue featuring rapper Sarkodie and Dr Cryme getting massive airplay throughout the country.

Awards and nominations

Ghana Music Awards
Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
2012 Himself Best New Artist of the Year Won [11][12]
Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste of the Year Nominated
Yenko Nkoaa Best Collaboration of the Year Nominated
Shashee Wowo Hiplife Song of the Year Nominated
Most Popular Song of the Year Nominated
Repetition Album of the Year Nominated
Tema Citizens Club Awards Holland
Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
2012 Himself Tema Citizens of the Year Won [13]
Akwaaba Holland Won
Ghana Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Awards, USA
Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
2022 Himself Distinguished Achievement Awards for Highlife Music Nominated [14]

Discography

Albums

  • Repetition

Singles

Personal life

Stay Jay is in a relationship with Helena Adjabeng.[18][19]

References

  1. ↑ "Stay Jay, Biography". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  2. ↑ https://www.modernghana.com/entertainment/16888/stay-jay-one-on-one-with-the-hit-making-machine.html
  3. ↑ "I correct indecent girls with my songs – Stay Jay". GhanaWeb. 2016-07-09. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  4. ↑ "Stay Jay hints at featuring new acts on remake of his hit songs - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  5. ↑ Gabs (2020-04-28). "'You Should All SHUT Up'- Stay Jay Fires Gh Artists As He Declares Himself King Of Azonto". GhBase•com™-Everything & News Now. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  6. ↑ https://www.modernghana.com/news/376302/azonto-the-new-music-and-dance-craze-in-ghana.html
  7. ↑ Lucas, Giles (2012-04-11). "The O2 Arena will host African artists at the Hip-life Festival". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  8. ↑ Online, Peace FM. "Stay Jay To Headline Perth Festival in Australia". Peacefmonline.com - Ghana news. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  9. ↑ "Stay Jay, 2 Others To Perform In Europe". DailyGuide Network. 2018-11-08. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  10. ↑ "Stay Jay thrills fans in Holland". GhanaWeb. 2016-08-31. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  11. ↑ Online, Peace FM. "Full List of Ghana Music Awards 2012 Nominations". Peacefmonline.com - Ghana news. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  12. ↑ "Full List Of Winners Of 2012 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards..." GhanaCelebrities.Com. 2012-04-15. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  13. ↑ "Stay Jay Honoured". DailyGuide Network. 2016-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  14. ↑ xerda (2022-10-10). "Stay Jay Nominated In this year's Ghana Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Awards, USA". GhanaNdwom.net. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  15. ↑ Onos (2012-06-11). "New Music: Stay Jay Feat. Mugeez (of R2bees) – My Baby". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  16. ↑ Mawuli, David (2016-08-06). "Rapper drops new single "Gbohe" featuring Luther". Pulse Ghana. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  17. ↑ Kesse, Nana (2023-07-14). "[ LISTEN ] Stay Jay recruits Kosi Sia on new song 'Odo'". 233Prime. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  18. ↑ "Stay Jay's wife-to-be writes a touching birthday message to the musician". GhanaWeb. 2017-01-05. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
  19. ↑ Online, Peace FM. "Rapper Stay Jay Shows Off Girlfriend (PHOTOS)". Peacefmonline.com - Ghana news. Retrieved 2023-03-23.
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