If it wasn’t for a chance conversation with her music teacher in her senior high school year, Ajaye Jardine’s life may have looked very different today.
As a leading light in the Richmond Islanders program, Jardine, now 26, was heading down the path of university softball, or something of that nature.
But it wasn’t until her band teacher at McNair secondary pulled her to one side and insisted that she pursue a music career that Jardine took the craft seriously — even though her mother, Cherelle, is steeped in the industry.
And after four very successful years performing across Canada and beyond with her mom as The Jardines duo, Ajaye is now making a name for herself in the country/roots music scene and will take to the Steveston Salmon Festival main stage on her own this coming Canada Day.
“This is my first hometown (solo) gig; I’m so excited,” Ajaye told the Richmond News on Monday.
“I have performed a few years ago at the Salmon Festival with my mom, but this is the first time here on my own.
“I’ll be performing my new solo single, as well as quite a few new songs; I have some amazing co-writers.”
Ajaye, who lives in southeast Richmond, said her mom, who is now her manager, has been working tirelessly to get her daughter’s name out there.
“My dad is also a huge supporter; I’m pretty blessed to be surrounded by all these great people. I’m kind of enjoying the ride right now.”
Even though she was performing as The Jardines, Ajaye said her new career only really took off when she visited Nashville — the home of country music — in 2013.
“When I went (to Nashville) and recorded an EP, it was kind of a foundation project,” she said.
“The Jardines was a different sound; I’m now in the country scene as a solo artist and it’s all very exciting.
“Definitely having my mom in my life, music was always around me, but it wasn’t my focus.
“Nashville was a life-changing experience; everyone I met and talked to told me it was time to pursue a career as a solo artist and my mom accepted that it was time to spread my wings.”
Ajaye recently received a recording grant and has just laid down her official, debut, solo single called My Way.
“I’m working on my debut, solo album also and on July 6, I’m doing an Alberta radio tour before playing at the Calgary Stampede.
“And in August, I’m heading to the Island to play at Sun Fest in the Cowichan Valley.”
