Ju’life King, born Ige Olushoga Jacobs, has revealed that his music is gaining traction across age groups, thanks to his unique blend of juju and highlife. He explained that what started as a sound mainly embraced by older audiences now resonates with the youth, especially through songs like Back to the Roots. According to him, younger listeners now see the genre as fresh and meaningful.
Having started his career in 1995, Ju’life King has developed a signature style he calls Julife music. He blends the traditional elements of juju and highlife with modern additions to make the genre more appealing. “I always try to revive the old sounds people seem to have forgotten,” he said.
He credited highlife legend Baba Victor Olaiya as a key influence in shaping his sound. He also highlighted his willingness to experiment, sharing that he once added rap to Ilu Le, a classic originally performed by Baba Olaiya. He explained that most highlife musicians avoid instruments like the talking drum, Omele, and Bata, but he incorporates them all to create a more dynamic sound.
Although based in Texas, Ju’life King maintains strong ties to Nigeria. He emphasized that making juju and highlife music requires reconnecting with the cultural roots. “That’s why I say ‘Back to the Roots.’ I came back home to shoot some music videos,” he said.
Ju’life King continues to blend the past and present, offering a style that appeals to longtime fans and new listeners, proving that music can still bring generations together.
