Today, Jeshi embraces hope with the release of his new track “Protein,” which is taken from his upcoming and long-awaited first album. Obongjayar, a Nigerian-born, London-based, highly acclaimed musician, joins Jeshi for this laid-back, yet forceful, musical journey. It’s a fantastic song that finds the couple “gliding over the tension” and finally feeling invincible.
Since his critically acclaimed EP Bad Taste, Jeshi has moved from strength to strength collaborating with some of the hottest names in music including slowthai, Celeste & Vegyn.
Acclaimed director Will Dohrn (IDLES), who previously collaborated with Jeshi on the video for the joyful yet contemplative “3210,” returns for the high-octane visual experience of “Protein.” The video is a kaleidoscope of movement captured on a dashcam and put against the backdrop of a British sunset. We see them eluding ticket warden stunt riders in a “Protein” branded rally car type Prius with 50 silver balloons attached; Jeshi is at home in this offering.
“OB is my guy so it was super fun making this together which I think comes across in the song. This was a really important side to capture on the album to show that no matter what’s going on not every day is a bad one. This moment just feels really good and I love that.” says Jeshi on the collaboration.
“Protein” follows “Electric,” the superlative collaboration with producer Kelvin Krash that was synchronised in the highly anticipated new season of Top Boy. Jeshi has had a tremendous start to the new year, already being listed on 2022 Ones To Watch lists from the likes of Clash Magazine, British Vogue, and Mixmag.
“Protein” is lifted from his forthcoming album – the 13 track debut album that explores growing up in London and the pressures he faces.
By focusing on the immediate world around him, including his own memories of being broke and unlucky, or simply trying to make sense of an unforgiving world, Jeshi has been able to make a wider statement. “I didn’t want it to be me saying ‘Look at the state of the country,’ he argues. “There’s no political messaging on there. I just wanted to take the phrase Universal Credit and make it empowering. Putting some pride into words that often have been weaponized against people.”