Check Out Geoffrey Edwards aka Jah Freedom

Today we’d like to introduce you to Geoffrey Edwards aka Jah Freedom.

Hi Geoffrey, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hey there! I’m Jah Freedom, and let me take you on a journey through my life. It all started when I was just a little kid before even stepping into kindergarten. I discovered my love for music by writing songs and playing the drums. There was something magical about creating rhythms and expressing myself through sound even at a young age. 

As I grew older, my passion for music expanded beyond just playing instruments. I became fascinated with exploring different rhythms, sounds, and the emotions that art evokes. This curiosity led me down a path of becoming a DJ, producer, writer, performing artist, and multi-instrumentalist. I’m lucky to say that my talent has taken me to incredible places. 

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to produce music for various TV shows, networks, video games, movies, artists, and my own projects. My music has been featured in over 1000 TV episodes and films. You might have even heard some of my work on popular shows like Saturday Night Live, the Olympics, and during the Super Bowl. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that has come my way. 

My love for music extends beyond just creating and producing. I’ve always had a deep desire to bring people together through the power of music and art. That’s why I started Freaquency360. It’s an entity that combines different elements of creativity, including events coordination, education, a label, concert promotions, and even an apparel company. It’s my way of expressing myself in any medium I choose and collaborating with friends, peers, and businesses to create and promote art and artists. 

Freaquency360 is all about pushing boundaries and disrupting the norm. I want to take art out of its conventional spaces and showcase it in unconventional ways. That’s why we host a variety of events under the Freaquency360 umbrella. We have Beatfreaq, FreaquencyLive, Fresh, Ondas do Brazil, and many more. These events provide platforms for artists of all kinds to showcase their talent and inspire one another. 

I’ve been fortunate to partner with incredible organizations and other creatives who share my vision of a vibrant and interconnected artistic community. Together, we curate experiences that celebrate the beauty of different art forms and bring diverse creatives together. 

So that’s a little glimpse into my journey. From writing songs and playing the drums as a kid to becoming a sought-after DJ, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and art nerd/advocate. My passion for music has taken me on an incredible ride, and I’m excited to keep creating, disrupting, and inspiring others through Freaquency360. Join me as we explore the power of art and push the boundaries of creativity in unconventional ways. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is never perfect, and things don’t always fall into place exactly as we envision them. I’ve learned that navigating through obstacles requires adaptability and finding creative solutions. Whether it’s overcoming logistical hurdles or securing funding, I’ve become skilled at making things work on a limited budget and within tight deadlines. The support of encouraging people, especially a partner who believes in you, adds a sprinkle of magic to everything and keeps you going. Speaking of challenges, most things can boil down to making sure there is enough funding. Increasing awareness, organizing events, inviting guests, and providing community programs and education all require money. Finding venues and compensating them or establishing partnerships also involve financial considerations. Balancing the artistic and commercial aspects can be difficult since you need to be mindful of both and understand how they impact each other. Staying true to your vision while ensuring its financial feasibility is crucial. Additionally, I often embrace the mentality of being the pioneer, trying out unconventional ideas that others might not consider. Sometimes these ideas succeed, and other times they don’t, but each outcome serves as an opportunity for growth and learning. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a versatile creative individual engaging in various forms of art. While my primary focus is currently on music, I also do painting, drawing, sculpture, graphic design, culinary arts, and incorporate my love for creativity into all aspects of my life and business. From the art design of album covers and flyers to marketing campaigns to designing clothing or merchandise for myself of others… everything is connected. I am known for my eclectic yet soulful vibe; whether it’s creating music, curating events, or running day-to-day operations it has to have feeling it has to have soul. 

What sets me apart from others is my fearlessness. I embrace experimentation and am unafraid to try new things. I am also someone who is constantly creating. Additionally, I have the unique ability to eat with chopsticks using either hand. I am unapologetically me. 

One of my proudest achievements is the creation of the Freaquency360 creative space. It started as a mere idea, with me pacing around my living room, but has since blossomed into a platform for bringing my ideas to life. This space not only allows me to express myself creatively but also serves the community and brings joy to others. We have successfully hosted various events, parties, and collaborations, including album releases. We engage in activities ranging from marketing and graphic design to music curation – anything that involves creativity; we embrace it. 

Narrowing down what I am most proud of is challenging, as there are several meaningful accomplishments. We played a significant role in breaking the De La Soul vs. Tommy Boy story, and our party was listed as an NBA All-Star weekend top event, despite it merely coinciding with that week. We have also helped numerous artists on their creative journeys, and each success holds immense value to me and the people I work with. It brings me great joy to see individuals worldwide enjoying, participating in, and wearing the art we produce. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
What I’ve discovered during the Covid chaos is that life’s a wild ride, and you’ve got to jump on every roller coaster while you can! One moment, I was spinning tracks as a DJ or hitting the studio six days a week, and the next, I was left with a big fat zero. Time’s a sneaky creature, never pausing for anyone, and those grand plans you keep postponing might just slip through your fingers. Now, I’m not suggesting you do anything foolish or self-destructive, but don’t shy away from taking some daring leaps and discovering your hidden talents and unique opportunities. 

But hey, here’s the real gem I uncovered: the art of swift pivoting and resource scavenging! You see, nobody out there can claim they accomplished everything entirely on their lonesome. Nope, not a chance! We’re all part of this grand symphony, and asking for a little helping hand is not just okay; it’s essential. I had to master the graceful art of seeking assistance and graciously accepting it from those genuine souls who sincerely want to lend a hand. Trust me; you’re never alone in this adventure 

Contact Info:

• Website: Freaquency360.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freaquency360/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreaquencyThreeSixty/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Freaquency360 , https://withkoji.com/@jahfreedom

Image Credits
Brian Twitty
A Fly Girls World
Jah Freedom
Kevin Staggers
Smitty