Renegade Riddims: JAEL

Giovanni Jano, better known as JAEL, is a Moluccan artist, producer, DJ, and vocalist from The Netherlands. Growing up in a musical family, surrounded by Moluccan Folk, Gospel, Soul, and Funk, it’s no surprise that his roots play a big role in shaping his dynamic and high-energy performances. With a vibrant blend of genres, top-tier live performances, and his own production skills, JAEL brings something truly unique to the stage.

At his shows, you’ll catch him blending DJing, singing, and playing live instruments – showcasing the many talents he’s honed over the years. He’s also been a longtime member of Soulection, a highly respected LA-based label and creative community that’s been a hub for groundbreaking artists.

JAEL’s reputation as both a DJ and live performer has taken him to global stages, with 2022 and 2023 being standout years. He performed at major events like Boiler Room Festival (Amsterdam + London), the Brooklyn Mirage (NYC), O2 Brixton (London), Bass Coast Festival (Canada), Lowlands Festival (Netherlands), and toured across the USA, South Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, JAEL hosted his monthly radio show “CAROUSEL JAEL” on London’s iconic Rinse FM in 2022 and 2023, and made guest appearances on Benji B’s BBC Radio 1 show, The Tiffany Calver Show on 1Xtra, and more.

In 2021, JAEL dropped his debut album ‘Half As Much’, which pulled from a wide range of musical influences and highlighted his versatile artistry. He also teamed up with Juls, Wizkid, and Agent Sasco on the track ‘Close To Me’. His latest release, ‘Nancy Junglist’ featuring Sister Nancy, shows his love for Electronic music, old-school Jungle, and Drum & Bass. JAEL is currently working on a new electronic EP, set to drop at the end of 2024 or early 2025. Expect to see him hit the road again soon with fresh music and an exciting new sound.

This week JAEL begins his tour of North America and Canada. More info can be found here!

Today JAEL joins us for a brand new Renegade Riddims mix featuring music from himself and artists such as Clipz, Usher, 4am Kru, Fred Again.., Unglued, DJ Hybrid, Monrroe and more!

Check out the mix below and download it for free here!

Q&A:

Sum up this mix in 10 words…

Smooth, vibey, groovy, energetic, uplifting, RELOAD!!, stank, tough, edgy, heavy

What’s your personal favourite track on it?

That would most likely be Hamdi’s Topper Top Edit !! Incredible track. 

What’s the special ingredient in this mix?

This mix contains a few of my unreleased jungle/DNB tracks that I’m working on. The blend of Jungle + DNB is the balance of this mix and I hope I took you on a journey through the sounds. PLUS there is a very exclusive new JAEL song at the very end.

Tell us about your next EP…

On this new EP I’m working on there will be hard hitting club tracks. Think of UK Garage, Jungle and 140.

What have you got coming up? 

A potential remix of ‘Nancy Junglist’ and another single coming out soon. I’ve been working on lots of new tracks and will most likely release them on a brand new EP !

When was the last time you actually raved?

The last time I actually raved was at this year’s Dekmantel and Lowlands Festival. It was so crazy !! My personal favorite festivals of The Netherlands.

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?

Thank you so much for listening and I hope you have enjoyed my mix !! Please stay tuned for my upcoming releases and I hope to see you at my next show in a city near you!

TRACKLIST:

Neekeetone – Alicia

JayO – 22 (Reon Vanger Jungle Edit)

Usher – Think Of You (JAEL Jungle Edit)

Unglued – Total XTC

Conducta – GOLD (Tim Reaper Remix)

Bakey – Poison Dart

4am Kru – Good Time (Extended Mix)

Hamdi – Topper Top Edit

CLIPZ – New

Hans Glader – SO MI LIKE IT (Spice Dub)

JAEL – BL00D [UNRELEASED]

JAEL – Deep Inside The Jungle [UNRELEASED]

Backyard Dog – Baddest Ruffest (JAEL REMIX) [UNRELEASED]

Fred Again.. – leavemealone (Nia Archives Remix)

Double 99 – Ripgroove (Fixate Remix)

DJ Hybrid – Done Dusted

Armes – Who Dem

JAEL – Gridlocked [UNRELEASED]

Monrroe – Tsubaki

CLIPZ – Ashley

Dead Dred – Dred Bass (Bladerunner Remix)

JAEL – ENAK BANGET ANJING [UNRELEASED]

Kwengface, Overmono, Joy Orbison – Freedom 2 (Y U QT Jungle Remix)

JAEL – Nancy Junglist Feat. Sister Nancy

JAEL – Fix Your Mind [UNRELEASED]