5 Questions With Projexx & Juls

For singer-songwriter Projexx, music has always been a universal language. Growing up in Kingston, the recording artiste, born Johni (pronounced John-I) James, was exposed to a wide range of sounds from an early age. As the son of music producer Lloyd 'John John' James and grandson of the legendary Lloyd 'King Jammy' James, he comes from a rich musical lineage. That foundation, coupled with his travels and interactions with people from different backgrounds, has shaped Projexx’s approach to music. When asked why he is drawn to sounds that blend different cultures and genres, he told The Gleaner: “As I’ve travelled and connected with people from different cultures, I’ve realised how much we all have in common through music. I love finding those meeting points between genres, rhythms, and experiences. It keeps the music fresh and allows me to represent Jamaica while also being part of a bigger global conversation.”

Being part of that global conversation has led to the release of his own singles, such as Sweat, and collaborations with international artistes, including Nigerian singer Wizkid on the hit True Love and, most recently, British-born Ghanaian award-winning music producer Juls (born Julian Nicco-Annan) on their upcoming album, Junction.

Set for release in August, the nine-track project is, according to Juls, “Created based on our love and appreciation for each other's craft and brotherhood”.

Crediting the trust and respect between the two, Projexx believes that it stands as a solid foundation for the success of the collaboration. 

“We have a real friendship as well,” he said, adding, “Juls understands how to create a soundscape that allows me to be myself, and I trust his vision as a producer. We both come from strong musical cultures, but we’re not afraid to experiment. That balance between authenticity and exploration made the process feel effortless.”

Ahead of its August release, 5 Questions With caught up with Projexx and Juls to find out how the collaboration came together, what listeners can expect from the project and, of course, in light of the 2026 FIFA World Cup season, which countries have their backing.

1. How did you and Juls come together to create ‘Junction’, and what inspired the album's name?

Projexx: ⁠Juls and I have had mutual respect for each other’s work for a long time. We always talked about creating something meaningful together, and when we finally got into that creative space, everything flowed naturally. The name Junction came from the idea of different roads, cultures, sounds, and experiences meeting in one place…where two roads meet. That’s really what this project is about: crossroads where our influences connect and create something unique.

2. What's something about Jamaican music or culture that has always resonated with you?

Juls: That it’s very similar to African music... We are one people, [that] is what I always say. But if we are speaking technically, reggae and dancehall music is what I grew up on, being a Londoner. My first introduction to reggae was Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley through my mum. Dancehall was during my university/college days.

3. Jamaican and Ghanaian cultures share a natural connection, particularly through music. How did that influence the making of ‘Junction’?

Juls: The connection between the two places is more than music. It’s a deeper story of how transatlantic slavery impacted a lot of the black race, with Ghanaians shipped to the Caribbean. The story of the maroons is a typical example [of] how Nanny fought against the British to protect her people. With Junction, we were just bringing our personal experiences and taste of music together, which was easy to do because of our chemistry over the years.

4. What do you hope listeners will take away from the album?

Projexx: More than anything, I hope people feel something. I want them to hear growth, freedom, and connection throughout the project. Junction is about bringing worlds together and showing that great music doesn’t have boundaries. Whether you’re listening for the melodies, the production, or the message, I hope there’s something on the album that stays with you

5. Dancehall artiste Valiant features on 'Rarri' — one of the album's already released tracks. Are there any other notable collabs on the project?

Projexx: Valiant definitely brought great energy to Rarri, and I’m excited for people to hear that record. As for the rest of the project, there are a few surprises in there. I don’t want to give away too much before everyone gets a chance to experience it, but I can say the collaborations were chosen very intentionally, and each one adds something special to the story of the album.

BRAWTA

1. What's one thing fans would be surprised to learn about you?

Projexx:  I’m a big fan of old school music.

Juls: I wanted to be an architect.

2. As the World Cup kicks off, which country are you backing and why?

Projexx: My money is on Spain, but hopefully Jamaica is a part of the World Cup next time around.

Juls:  I hope Ghana and Haiti make a great impact and surprise the world. But my money is on Brazil or Spain.

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