Biography of Jayso

Paul “Jayso” Nuamah Donkor (born June 1, 1983) is a Ghanaian rapper, record producer, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He gained significant attention after working on Sarkodie’s single “Borga” and producing a majority of the songs on Sarkodie’s debut album, “Maakye.”

Early life

During his teenage years at Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon), Jayso founded Skillions, a prominent hip-hop group that both nurtured young artists and popularized local hip-hop in the wider Ghanaian music scene. Before Skillions, he collaborated with rapper-producer JPE (now Kobi Onyame, Canz, and Mr. Scratch to create the Haatsville Project, leading to a mixtape that resonated within Ghana’s underground hip-hop circles.

His current production credits include Sarkodie, M.anifest, Sway, Scientific, Kwaw Kese,okra , Jon Germain, Efya, Rumor and Nigerian MCs Naeto C and Ikechukwu and Gabonese artiste Baponga. On December 10, 2015, he released his debut album titled ‘Making Tasha Proud’ after over half a decade producing for others.

Early Career/ Music career

Jayso’s musical journey began during his formative years. During his tenure at PRESEC, he sharpened his talents as both a rapper and a producer. Before the formation of the “Haatsville Project” tape, Jayso collaborated with T-Kube. This partnership was short-lived as T-Kube relocated from Ghana to the UK in 2002. The “Haatsville Project” tape was recognized and appreciated particularly among the young hip-hop aficionados.

Building on his experience from Haatsville, Jayso established the first hip-hop ensemble, Skillions. The group’s initial members included Ball J and Jinx Therapy (later known as Frank P). They were soon joined by prominent artists like EL, Midnight, and J-Town.

With Jayso’s guidance, mirroring the prowess of America’s RZA, Skillions made their debut with the trailblazing ‘Skillions Demotapes’ in 2002. Remarkably, Jayso completed the entire recording in his makeshift bedroom studio. The mixtape, blending English with Ghanaian pidgin, found a special place among the youth, firmly placing Skillions in the annals of Ghanaian rap history. Following the group’s disbandment, Jayso led a new generation of Skillions, launching popular tracks under Skillion Records.

From 1999 onward, Jayso’s influential career saw him collaborate with an extensive roster of artists, both in Ghana and internationally. On the global stage, he worked with hip-hop icon Wyclef Jean and the UK’s Sway. Within Ghana’s borders, his expansive production portfolio includes collaborations with luminaries like Sarkodie, M.anifest, R2Bees, Efya, and more.

Discography

Albums

• Making Tasha Proud (2016)
• 0106 Vol. 4 (2019)
• 0106 Vol. 5 (2020)

EPs

• 0106 Vol. 1 (2016)
• 0106 Vol. 2 (2017)
• 0106 Vol. 3 (2018)
• 0106 Vol. 6 (2021)
• Collaborative albums
• T.M.G (with Sarkodie) (2013)