Jessie Reyez is a Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences. Rising from her roots in Toronto, she has captivated audiences with emotional tracks like "Figures," earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including Juno Awards and Grammy nominations.
Jessie Reyez is a Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter celebrated for her distinctive vocal style and evocative songwriting. Born Jessica Reyez on June 12, 1991, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Colombian parents, she has emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B and pop music.
Jessie was raised in a musical environment, deeply inspired by her father's acoustic guitar playing and Colombian boleros. This foundation sparked her passion for music, leading her to start playing guitar and crafting songs during her high school years. After her family relocated to Brampton, she found her way back to Toronto during her sophomore year to further pursue music.
Post-high school, Reyez chose music over academia, a decision that took her to Florida. There, she supported herself by bartending and performing on beaches, honing her musical talents. Her return to Toronto in 2014 marked a pivotal moment as she joined The Remix Project's Academy of Recording Arts, a mentorship program that launched her career.
Initially, Reyez explored hip-hop dance from junior high through high school, an experience that augmented her performance skills. A significant emotional catalyst occurred at 17, following a breakup, prompting her to deeply channel her feelings into songwriting.
Her music career began to gain momentum with the 2014 release of "Living in the Sky" alongside Chicago rapper King Louie, opening doors with established artists and producers.
Reyez's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with "Figures," a single that not only peaked at number 58 on the Canadian Hot 100 but also achieved triple platinum status in Canada and platinum in the U.S. The single's success, with over 20 million streams on Spotify, marked her as a rising star.
In 2017, her debut EP, Kiddo, and the accompanying short film "Gatekeeper" highlighted her personal encounter with music industry challenges, notably including allegations against producer Noel "Detail" Fisher.
Reyez's journey is marked by notable achievements:
![EXCLUSIVE] Jessie Reyez: the fascinating story of an artist ...](https://www.hola.com/us/horizon/originalaspectratio/2b83be13156c-jessie-reyez.jpg)
Reyez is esteemed not only for her vocal performances but also for her songwriting:
Characterized by her raw vocals and a unique blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, Reyez stands out in the industry. Her music, rich with themes of heartache, resilience, and her personal journey, showcases her authentic storytelling.
Continuing to foster her audience while collaborating with industry veterans, Reyez exemplifies determination and growth. Transitioning from beachside performances to national appearances on platforms like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the BET Awards, she demonstrates her impressive trajectory.
In 2018, a live Juno Awards performance of "Figures" with Daniel Caesar further solidified her status when she received the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award.
Jessie Reyez remains an evolving artist, drawing from her rich blend of Colombian heritage and Canadian roots to craft music that resonates globally.
