Jesswar

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. He 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 he later signed with Golden Era Records. In 2018 Jesswar performed at St Jerome's Laneway Festival. By 2019, he 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, he released the lead single from his 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 his debut mixtape, Life's Short, Live Big.

Personal life Jesswar is a trans man and uses he/him pronouns.

Discography Mixtapes Title Details Life’s Short, Live Big Released: 23 September 2022 Label: PIAS Recordings Formats: CD, Digital

Extended play Title Details TROPIXX Released: 5 March 2021 Label: PIAS Recordings Formats: CD, Digital

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. 2022 Tropixx

2023 Life's Short, Live Big National Live Music Awards The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognise contributions to the live music industry in Australia.

Jesswar Best Live Voice in QLD

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. 2022 Jesswar Best New Artist