Before Afroswing had a name, J Hus was making it. His mix of rap, singing, African melodies and London slang created a sound that shaped a generation of British artists.
Stratford
J Hus was born Mamadou Lamin Jallow on 26 May 1996 in London to Gambian parents and grew up in Stratford, in east London. He was raised by his mother, who had moved to England at 25.
African parties
As a child, he went with his mother to African parties, and his parents played African music at home. Those sounds later found their way into his songs.
Afroswing
J Hus is credited with pioneering Afroswing, which blends UK rap with Afrobeats, dancehall and melodic singing. The style became one of the defining sounds of British music in the late 2010s.
Did You See
His single “Did You See” became his most successful early song, peaking at number nine on the UK Singles Chart and going platinum.
Common Sense
In 2017, he released his debut album, Common Sense. It was critically acclaimed and named the best UK album of 2017 by Complex.
Big Conspiracy
In January 2020, he released his second album, Big Conspiracy, featuring Koffee, Burna Boy and Ella Mai. It confirmed his status as one of Britain’s leading artists.
Who Told You
In June 2023, he released “Who Told You” with Drake, which became his highest-charting single, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.
Beautiful and Brutal Yard
“Who Told You” was the lead single from his third album, Beautiful and Brutal Yard, released in July 2023.
Influence
Many younger British artists cite J Hus as an influence, and Afroswing paved the way for the wider success of African-influenced music in the UK.
Gambian roots
The Gambia is one of Africa’s smallest countries. Through J Hus, its diaspora found a voice at the centre of British pop culture, and Gambian fans proudly claim him as their own.
His voice
J Hus moves easily between rapping and singing, often in the same verse. His relaxed, melodic delivery and humorous lines made his songs popular with listeners who did not usually follow rap.
A sound with two homes
J Hus’s music could only have come from London, and it could only have come from Africa. That double identity is the secret of Afroswing, and he was one of the first to hear it clearly.
