By Chioma Okoye

From the vibrant city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in a church environment, to the UK-based international music scene, producer and recording artiste Jo Modi is earnestly reshaping how African musicians engage with sound, memory, and innovation using the internet as a powerful tool to reach a global audience.

Born Ifeanyichukwu Joseph Emordi and originally from Delta State, Jo Modi’s early life was deeply rooted in gospel music. In a recent interview, he described the church as his earliest music school, not just a place of worship. “As a child, I learned to play the drums in the church choir, later adding knowledge of bass guitar and keyboard to sharpen my skills as a multi-dimensional instrumentalist,” he shared. This spiritual and musical foundation continues to influence his work, evident in the diverse sounds he produces for different artistes.

Jo Modi’s professional journey into music production began with a Yamaha PSR keyboard and digital audio software. “Once I downloaded my first DAW, I was locked in,” he explained. Long nights of self-directed study followed, as he composed, produced, and mixed his own tracks from the comfort of his bedroom. His dedication and passion for crafting timeless sounds drew inspiration from industry luminaries like Masterkraft and Sarz, whose legacies continue to influence his style.

In 2017, Jo Modi co-founded Morelife Studios in Port Harcourt which was a large, well-equipped creative hub grounded in innovation and artistic expression.

“We come from a very musical family and It felt natural to build a space where that energy could live and grow.” – Jo Modi emphasizes.

While pursuing his studies in Benin City, he began producing for peers and rising artistes such as Chibyk, Ozeeil, and Cypher, earning a reputation for very beautiful and professional production.

His influences are as layered as his mixes: early 2000s Afrobeats, R&B slow jams, lo-fi hip-hop, and gospel harmonies from his youth. This eclectic blend came vividly to life in his project “Kokiri’s Timeless Cafe”, a meditative reinterpretation of the “Kokiri Forest” theme from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time which was released under Jazz Hop Café but produced in collaboration with fellow Nigerian producer Handelverse. The track showcases Jo Modi’s creative process merges nostalgia with quiet introspection; adding a rich programming using drums and ambient melodies in collaboration with the main producer. Although It’s a cover, it’s also a reimagination that bridges faith-based and the secular sounds.

“I’ve always been particular about the quality and integrity of the projects I’m involved in” Jo Modi emphasizes. “Whether I’m behind the booth or on the mic myself, I try to honour what the song is asking for.” He added.

His evolution from producer to recording artiste has allowed him to bring his own voice into his work, crafting songs that blend storytelling, mood, and soul.

Now based in the UK, Jo Modi continues to create music while serving at Ekklesia Hull, a charity organization that is well rooted in community and creative outreach.

He is also a budding data analyst with a passion for artificial intelligence.

Looking ahead, Jo Modi is preparing for a collaboration with UK-based artiste Ben-Jay on a track titled ‘HDN’ set for release soon. The song promises to expand on his signature style by having a fusion of Afrobeats rhythms and Highlife-inspired guitar blending cross-cultural dialogue especially the West African musical heritage with modern production techniques, bridging tradition and innovation through sound.

“In five years, I see myself helping to define the next wave of African sound globally,” Jo Modi shares.