Quick Facts
Biography
Jesswar, is a Fijian Australian artist based on Yugambeh/Kombumerri country. Jesswar's debut single, "Savage", released in 2017 and was followed by debut EP Tropixx in 2021 and debut mixtape LIFE'S SHORT, LIVE BIG in 2022. In 2021, Jesswar was a winner at the Queensland Music Awards and the APRA Professional Development Awards.
Early life
Born in Canberra, Jesswar grew up partly in Fiji and partly on the Gold Coast, Queensland. They left home at 16 years old, studying music at TAFE Queensland, and later at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. In 2012 Jesswar formed a four-piece pop rap band, Sneeky Picnic, with fellow students.
Music career
2017-present: TROPIXX & Life’s Short, Live Big
Jesswar's first release as a solo artist was "Savage" in 2017, though they later signed with Golden Era Records. In 2018 Jesswar performed at St Jerome's Laneway Festival. By 2019, they had collaborated with artists including Tasha the Amazon, Okenyo, DZ Deathrays, and B Wise.
In 2021, Jesswar signed a global deal with PIAS Recordings and also released debut EP Tropixx. The EP the singles "Medusa" and "Venom", the latter of which won in the hip hop/rap category at the 2021 Queensland Music Awards. Later that year, they released the lead single from their debut mixtape: a Rihanna-inspired collaboration with viral Texan rapper Erica Banks: "Bad Like Riri". The single gained significant traction and is trap-laced celebration of strong, unapologetic voices and the self-possessed mindset of a baddie.
In September 2022, Jesswar released her debut mixtape, Life's Short, Live Big.
Personal life
Jesswar is non-binary, and uses they/them pronouns.
Discography
Mixtapes
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Life’s Short, Live Big |
|
Extended play
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| TROPIXX |
|
Awards and nominations
AIR Awards
The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tropixx | Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP | Nominated | |
| 2023 | Life's Short, Live Big | Won |
National Live Music Awards
The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognise contributions to the live music industry in Australia.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Jesswar | Best Live Voice in QLD | Nominated |
Rolling Stone Australia Awards
The Rolling Stone Australia Awards are awarded annually in January or February by the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine for outstanding contributions to popular culture in the previous year.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Jesswar | Best New Artist | Nominated |
