COUNTDOWN TO AFROTRAX: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT – JAIRIC

Jairic joins the AFROTRAX lineup this December as an international act together with headliner French Montana, with his performances scheduled for The Ostrich in Cape Town on 4 December and then at The Canvas in Johannesburg the next day. The Detroit-born, Cannes-based artist stands as a fully independent writer, producer and performer, navigating a space between incisive hip-hop and broad rhythmic arrangements. The recent n=40 EP, which was released in December 2025 through Rich Air Music, focuses on tight lyricism with a production that moves smoothly from reggae-influenced basslines and steel-drum tones to restless, evolving percussion.

Jairic‘s musical roots were in piano and drums while he was in Detroit, a city where live music was a regular feature at family get-togethers and where his first performances took place in church and at school. Because of this early experience he went on to produce music for various local Detroit artists before deciding to concentrate on his own material, a decision made because he found writing it more exciting than staying behind the instruments. His style incorporates the solid beats and rich lyricism of Nas and the Wu-Tang Clan, together with the underground spirit of Detroit, classic funk, 1960s rock and cinematic arrangements that view each track as a series of scenes. The contrast between time spent living in Detroit and Cannes still has an impact on his work, combining the energetic approach of the Midwest with the particular atmosphere and attention to detail of the Riviera.

His creative process typically starts with a sound, often a chord or rhythm on a Bösendorfer grand piano, establishing the emotional core before lyrics are crafted to fit the mood and tempo. Working in FL Studio and Pro Tools, often alongside Detroit engineer Matt, he approaches the studio as a disciplined environment. His writing gravitates toward themes of pressure, resilience, family, and the resolve to choose the more difficult path, frequently exploring the transition from being pursued to seizing control. On ‘Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You’, the Caribbean-inflected low end emerged from time spent walking the Croisette, anchoring a reggae-inspired bassline, while the lyrics reflect the experience of supporting a family member under strain. Personal challenges, including near-death experiences and loss, have honed his focus, ensuring each track stands for something.

​The n=40 EP and its lead singles have received coverage from Clash Magazine, Notion, Wonderland Magazine, and Earmilk, as well as support from NPR radio, amassing nearly two million streams across platforms. Live performances have included Château Les Alouettes in Cannes, Villa Balbiano on Lake Como, and the Paris premiere of the short film Azur. Collaborations remain carefully chosen, with a feature from Detroit’s Marv Won slated for the upcoming album, while electronic remixes by Krono and NERVO have reimagined ‘Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You’ for club settings without compromising its original authorship.

Looking forward, L’Americain is set for release in spring 2026, with over twenty-five tracks completed and a feature-length film script developed around a high-stakes love triangle. He positions his trajectory as building an independent catalog under his own control, aiming to create work that endures beyond the immediate cycle of releases and performances.

Listen to n=40:

EVENT DETAILS

AFROTRAX CAPE TOWN

Date: Friday, 4th December 2026
Venue: The Ostrich, Cape Town
Time: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Headliner: French Montana

AFROTRAX JOHANNESBURG

Date: Saturday, 5th December 2026
Venue: The Canvas, Johannesburg
Time: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Headliner: French Montana

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