Yukon based Jemymah Familoni is a 17-year-old with big dreams and is currently competing in America’s Next Top Hit Maker.
According to their website, Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser and through online competitions like America’s Next Top Hitmaker, it offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making an impact.
Participants can win $10,000 to kick-start their career and will appear in The Rolling Stone magazine, combined with performing at Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase in Austin, Texas. This year’s winner will also receive mentoring from Busta Rhymes.
When Familoni heard about the competition, she didn’t think twice: “If I win the $10,000, it would help me kick start my music career,” the teenager said. She added she would use the money to buy musical equipment to enhance both her music and music production. In addition to that she would donate a percentage of the money to a charity in the Yukon. Familoni said that African music is her inspiration. She is also inspired by the Yukon. “I want to represent this unique territory everywhere I go,“ she said in a Q & A on the contest’s website.
Familoni discovered that she could sing by the age 11, she told What’s Up Yukon. Singing is more than just a hobby for her. “My mom discovered my talent, because she is also a singer. I just recently became confident in my voice, (when I turned 16). I’m 17 now and I still have some doubts about myself, but there’s no denying that I have a talent. It might need some work and training but it’s there.” When she read about the contest online, she sent in a demo of her voice.
Familoni is originally from Nigeria and moved to Whitehorse with her family in 2021. She is attending St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, where she will go into Grade 12 this fall. She describes herself as a very happy person with a unique sense of humor. “I am originally Nigerian and that plays a role in the way I sing, talk, act and do everything. I want to also be a representation of my home country in my art,“ she stated. Familoni said that she is going into the industry with a clear mind and ultimate goals.
“I want to have my first single out by next year and lots more after which will make me officially get into the industry as a singer and songwriter.” Jemymah also said that she is still exploring and experimenting with different genres. “The genres I have my eyes on are Afro-beats and Jazz. I have also been going through a series of daily voice trainings to enhance my vocals, because vocals are the musical instrument I have.”
When she has finished school, she wants to do music part time and go to university in a bigger city to get a degree of some sort. “I also want to be a lawyer. In the US and Canada, you need to have a degree before you fully go into law school,” she said about her plans. She is dreaming about taking a gap year to focus on music full time after her first degree, she added. Familoni is sure that she will reach them with her talent, patience, dedication and determination.
“I have dreams of becoming one of the most versatile singers and songwriters in the world. I want to be an international superstar because of my unique style of music and my voice.“
Besides participating in the contest she has started a fan base for herself. “My supporters are currently called “Jemmies” with a gem emoji as the symbol. I have a fan base page on Instagram right now already.“
Only one person can win the contest. According to Familoni there are over 60,000 participants.
The winner will be announced on or before September 13, 2024. So people can still vote for Familoni at: https://tophitmaker.org/
Familoni said she is pursuing her dreams—no matter if she wins or not. She is sure she will continue to make music in her own unique way. “I am so excited for the world to have me and I hope they are too!,“ she said.
