Meet Jewelz Dagod | Record Label Owner, Philanthropist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jewelz Dagod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jewelz, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I am originally from Nigeria, how I was raised is that if your not going to school to be a Doctor or a Lawyer, be a businessman.

I was always an indipendant individual and quite rebellious as a child. I did not like people telling me what to do from an early age. I always felt I was smarter than everyone, I always felt humanity was silly choosing war over enjoying this planet. I never really liked listening to people’s advice

When I tried jobs I always would go into the business and re innovate how they were conducting their business. A lot of the archaic thinking to me was not progressive enough for me to conform to anyone

So starting multiple businesses was inevitable. Also my father would always tell me to have my own. Nobody will respect you, unless you have your own. weather its your own car, own house, own business etc.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
In a song called “Thankful” from the album “God Cry” I started off by saying. “I came from mud houses and zinc roofs, my journey should give you hope”.

As a West African in hip hop it’s cool I feel sometimes I am able to bridge a gap I think that for a moment Africans were “booty scrathers” right. African Americans felt Africans hated them and sold them out, in so many interactions my music allowed me to unite folks. And also express the struggle of the diaspora’s was something we all have in common.

I am most proud of my belief in self first, you truly have to feel like you are Pluto, then later everyone else will realize your a star.

In my music you will get it all, poetry,spoken word, rap, soul. Dissapointment, heartbreak, triumphs and Success. Also as an artist I like to speak on the times, so you will hear social and political issues being discussed as well.

I actually enjoyed the challenge, there is one short story where i walked into the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in NYC and wanted to get on the mic. They didn’t let me, next thing I contacted the promoter and booked the spot. So I am thankful for all the doors that were closed on me, I still slipped in.

Included in my brand is Cultural Therapy which started in Hollywood and soon moved to Leimert Park, Los Angeles. A open mic performance venue I would host to raise the vibration and also provide a sanctuary for healing as there was a massage room, wine and music for conscious folks to go to without the pressure to fit into a twerking society

At the end of the day there are no limitations, music gets to stand the test of time and ultimately like Egypt you leave proof of your existance for others to study later. I just want people to know never limit yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
depending on the friends taste of course I would always recommend a museum, an eatery, a concert. One of my best places I take fiends to is Venice Beach Ca.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give credit to my father, my father was a personnel officer for the United Nations. He personally would take me all over the world in his travels and let me see things first hand. That upbringing is invaluable because I was able to not only watch him blend in with different cultures but also it allowed me to have a better understanding of the world at an early age.

Hip hop deserves recognition, up until the 90’s at least because it was a music that was able to relate to struggle, everyone loves a story where someone or a people come from nothing into something. A lot of hip hop music allowed me to be able to stay resilient as a person, by attaching myself to a vibration that represented overcoming obstacles.

Website: www.jewelryentertainment.com

Instagram: Jewelzdagod/Africanemcee