E.P.K.
“If I make the room PHUNKY, I’m Playing my position.” - The ZYG 808
“No matter if it’s the mic, the turn tables or behind a drum kit/ The ZYG 808’s all about keeping the room lit.”
Profile of The ZYG 808
Background and Education:
Began composing music at age 13 across genres like EDM, Afrobeat, NuJazz, R&B, and ambient/Neo-Symphonic.
Received multiple scholarships for music composition.
Currently pursuing a BFA in Music Composition and Audio Engineering at Goddard College.
Career Highlights:
Formed a music label, Soul Poets Records, to produce and sell his own music at the age of 16.
Produced "At The Party" mixtape in 2018, in his family’s home studio and sold copies while busking (playing on the street for money) around Cape Cod and Boston.
His CD was purchased by audience members who were part of the Recording Academy and he received two Grammy nominations .
Album Releases and Achievements:
Released "BoOMBAPJAZz" album in 2019, gaining a dedicated streaming audience in Germany and West Africa.
Notable for instrumental hip-hop jazz cuts showcasing his drumming and vibraphone skills.
Professional Roles:
Staff producer and assistant engineer at Polyphonic Studios in Bourne, MA.
Pioneer in the Southcoast Thump & Soul movement, representing Black and Brown musical artists from southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Music Education and Affiliations:
Music educator teaching percussion, lyric writing, and music composition to students ranging from middle school to college.
Affiliated with the Black Rock Coalition and Universal Zulu Nation.
The ZYG 808 | PRESS PHOTOS
The ZYG 808 (pronounced 'Zee Why Gee' Eight-0h-Eight) is a world-class, Grammy nominated Soul Poet music maker (musician, composer, producer, vocalist, DJ), and recording artist of Afrobeats, EDM, and Hip-Hop. A leading figure in the Thump & Soul music movement; he is definitely doing his part to bring the good vibes music to the people.
Performing regularly throughout the eastcoast as a solo artist as well as the drummer of the soul-funk band, The GroovaLottos; The ZYG 808 is the host of the weekly, online dance party, The Thump & Soul Clap on Facebook & Youtube. He also hosts The Thump & Soul Underground every 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday at Midnight on 92.1 WOMR-FM.
“Music is how I connect with people. Melodies, grooves, beats, and stories play in my head all of the time. Other people continue to make incredible music. I feel a need to share it all, bring the good vibes, and get folks dancing and feeling right.”
Along with rocking the mic and drums at shows, or mixing and spinning bangers at parties; The ZYG 808 is a staff producer for Polyphonic Studios, working with e.d.m., Afrobeats, rock, folk, and hip-hop artists.
