I never took break from music – Barry Jhay

Afrobeats sensation, Oluwakayode Junior Balogun, a.k.a Barry Jhay has set the record straight on rumours that he stopped making music.

In a chat with Saturday Beat, the soulful singer said, “I never took a break from music, I only took time to find my peace, myself, to heal—because mental health is essential. I fully locked in to focus and concentrate on serving my lovers nothing but long-lasting records, recording, and pouring out my heart into my forthcoming body of work titled Barrystar: The Album Vol. 1.”

According to the singer, he has been crafting his next big move. “Anything that’s going to be great requires planning in every field of life, so I’ve just been recording, handling my other businesses, getting my family right, and living life”, he added.

Speaking further, he explained why despite being one of Nigeria’s top vocalists, he remains one of the industry’s most reserved figures. “I have always been a quiet and reserved person who doesn’t like social media drama. I’m super antisocial—I’m a big-time introvert who just values his peace”, he said.

Set to release his album, ‘Barrystar’, in April, he explained that among the standout collaborations on the project is a track with Grammy-nominated Jamaican artist, Blackhero. “It is required for the Grammys that you make music with either a nominated or winning Grammy artist to validate your invite into the academy—which I got in 2024”, he revealed.

Reflecting on the challenges he has faced in the music industry, the ‘Aiye Ole’ crooner stated, “God has been so good to me. We are all humans, so there is no challenge you encounter that nobody has never faced before. Life is life. Whatsoever comes your way, as far as it doesn’t take your life, see it as a lesson—learn from it, get the f**k up, and go again. Always remember, God is love.”