Jourdain ‘220’ Lowe, a musician raised in Antigua, is bringing the sound of the Caribbean to the UK. After moving to Manchester to work in the hospitality industry, he is now taking to the stage at Primal Live to share his unique sound.
After relocating back to the Caribbean from the UK at the age of 5 to live with his single mother and brothers, Jourdain experienced bouts of bullying, which caused him to become very private. These emotions, however, encouraged him to turn to music.
The musician began to develop an interest in rap music and formed a connection with artists such as Eminem and The Notorious B.I.G. Realising that these rap stars were also ‘outcasts’, Jourdain empathised with their lyricism as he felt seen.
As he began high school, the rapper started to broaden his music tastes. Inspired by artists such as Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel, Jourdain started to write his own music and share it on the school grounds, participating in rap battles with his friends when they weren’t in the classroom.
Although music was always his primary passion, his family was not as supportive, with his mother advising him to “put the rap music aside”. Consequently, Jourdain headed to university in The Bahamas to study hospitality management.
Despite this, music was always in the background of his university experience. Indeed, he chose modules within events and event management so that he could learn more about the music business. Additionally, while at university, he did not stop making music. He created a YouTube video that generated a good reception and continued to write songs about his feelings and experiences.
After leaving university and spending some time living in the USA, Jourdain moved back to the UK and began working in hospitality. Now, he works for the NHS within their catering department. Speaking about his role within the NHS, Jourdain says: “I can offer a smiling face to patients who’ve come in and might just need some warmth.”
Leaving a smile on people’s faces is what the singer aims to do with his music, too. Taking part in Primal Live has given him the platform to reach more people and brighten their days with his Caribbean-infused music.
After taking Liverpool by storm, Primal Live has become something truly special — a song contest featuring top talent that raises money for charity at the same time. This event, taking place at Manchester’s Band on the Wall on 21st September, promises an incredible variety of live performances, while raising money and awareness for Manchester’s leading homeless charity, the Booth Centre. Around 25-35 acts are expected to perform, including Jourdain, spreading across all genres, from rap to soul singers.
While participating in Primal Live, the musician hopes to make connections with other artists and gain the skills to embed himself in the Manchester music scene. In fact, Jourdain is ticking off one of his goals as an artist by performing at Band on the Wall!
Moreover, the talented rap artist is striving to bring the sound of Antigua over to the UK as he infuses the sound of his Caribbean roots into his music. For Jourdain, having elements of the “Island Sound” is vital for him while crafting his tunes.
Talking about the inspiration behind his lyricism, Jourdain illustrates: “Music helps with confidence and self-esteem. Also, it challenges you, not only as a listener, but as a creator. You have to self-reflect and have hard conversations with yourself. Through my lyrics, I reflect on my past, I see my songs as snip-its into my life.”
Now that Jourdain is about to accomplish his goal of performing at Manchester’s Band on the Wall, he is looking to achieve his next goal of being a part of a festival circuit.
You can see Jourdain perform at Primal Live at Manchester’s Band on the Wall on Sunday 21st September.
Follow Jourdain on TIKTOK and INSTAGRAM
Primal Live Manchester / Sun 21st Sept, 3pm-8pm / Band On The Wall, Northern Quarter, Manchester
For more information visit the Primal Live WEBSITE
