UK Caster Jody Bigfoot is making a thrilling transition from the eSports broadcast mic to the music mic as he sets off on a remarkable tour across Japan with his innovative take on dancehall music. Lauded by the BBC as “the only internationally signed Geordie to rap reggae in Japanese,” Bigfoot is poised to leave an electrifying mark on the music scene.
Thanks to a grant from the esteemed Sasakawa Foundation, he will tour Japan from September 30 to December 17, 2024, accompanied by his DJ/partner Small Pieces. They will showcase tracks from his latest LP, titled Geordie Japanese Dancehall. The tour is especially significant as it collaborates with the British/Japanese reggae ensemble Direct Impact, commemorating their 30th anniversary.
Reflecting on his journey, a press release notes, “It’s been 12 years since Jody Bigfoot wrote his first verses on reggae riddims while living in Japan.” This fascinating cross-cultural collaboration will unfold in diverse settings—from cozy soba stands to vibrant reggae bars and dynamic skate parks throughout the land of the rising sun.
It was back in 2011 that Jody first connected with Japanese producer Ichiyo, while managing a vibrant digital reggae producer community on an early version of SoundCloud. This serendipitous meeting also led to collaborations with the Norwegian group 8-bit Helgeland, who produced his initial releases under the moniker Trinity Lo Fi, along with the famed Newcastle rapper and WHQ resident Zico MC.
When Trinity Lo Fi disbanded, Jody continued to keep the name alive by launching his own label, Trinity Lo Fi Recordings. Armed with his oversized spirit and a passion for collaboration, he ventured into a new project with German producer Tandaro, which culminated in his debut solo album, Duszt. Accompanied by an hour-long music video filmed in Japan, Duszt blends trap and hip hop with live instrumentation.
However, Jody’s enduring passion for digital reggae continued post-Duszt, leading him to develop a new EP with Ichiyo, who was crafting innovative reggae/dancehall riddims. What began as three promising tracks quickly blossomed into a 12-track masterpiece, brimming with unique soundscapes.
Inspired by the rhythmic capabilities of the Japanese language, Jody Bigfoot has woven it into his lyrics to create a fresh auditory experience. This upcoming album features carefully curated collaborations with prolific Japanese MCs such as Yugo Taguchi, Mori, Kid Eastah, Numb’N’Dub, Tutor Real, and Scottish Rastafarian Yahisreal. “While there are a variety of digital reggae styles scattered throughout the riddims, the lyrical content is more closely related to punk or roots reggae than dancehall,” the press release states. “The driving force behind all of Jody Bigfoot’s music has always been and always will be a burning desire for all human beings to find freedom from wealth disparity and brainwashing while healing the natural world.”
Jody’s compelling story has also captured the attention of the BBC, who spotlighted him in a captivating TikTok feature.
To learn more about Jody Bigfoot’s background, he was born to socialist vegetarian parents, and has always been a distinctive figure—standing six feet tall and wearing size 15 shoes. Rejecting conformity, he channels a profound message in his songs, urging others to forge their own paths. His activism runs deep, having played a pivotal role in the local movement against the Iraq war and participating in the largest protest in history, ultimately leading to disillusionment with conventional protest. Seeking inspiration, he traveled extensively in his twenties, engaging in diverse jobs—from baling cowhides in Australia to dismantling towering trees in the ancient Canadian rainforest, all while penning lyrics and seeking purpose.
Jody Bigfoot has also made notable contributions to eSports broadcasts in the UK, including his involvement in the University Esports Masters, which recently saw the University of Staffordshire triumph in the Valorant final.
