We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jasmin “Jazzo” Walters. Check out our conversation below.
Jasmin, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
So, I’m writing a workbook for black women struggling with mental health issues. Let’s just say I have a lot of first hand experience lol. I’m gonna be real… I’m still afraid. But these days I choose obedience over emotion. So I do things afraid. I think that’s what courage really is. It isn’t an absence of fear but rather the gumption to do the thing anyway. Right now, I’m being called to come out of hiding. To wear my story on my sleeve. Things I’m honestly still processing. It is the most vulnerable I’ve ever been. My therapist asked me “what does it mean to be seen?” and I think this is it. It is letting people into where the unbridled thoughts live. It is skipping the step of curating the best bits and pieces to let people see. It’s understanding that even the ugliest parts of us serve purpose and our conquering of those things serve others. I know there’s something on the otherside of my obedience and for the most part I believe that it’s good. But I am afraid of it not being good. I am afraid of my vulnerability breeding judgment, ostracization. I am afraid that once people know, I’ll be scrutinized and observed. I’m honestly afraid no one will want me romantically once this book comes out! But I also know that it is going to help a lot of people. And I’m putting those people first. My recent music project was an exercise in obedience. A practice round if you will lol.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jasmin “Jazzo” Walters. I’m a creative. Multi-disciplinary. I don’t have any one lane or box. I know every artist says this but I really mean it. I’ve been writing songs, poetry, stories for over 25 years. And I’ve been recording music for almost 20. My degree is in dance. I’ve been blessed with many gifts. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to find the common denominator between my different skills and I’ve been able to expound on that. I have found that writing is the common thread and that has expanded into writing books, curriculum, speeches in addition to my strongest suits, songs, poetry and fictional work. I consider producing and composing a type of storytelling. And I consider choreography storytelling as well. Any chance I get to curate or produce an event or show, you better believe it will tell a story. And you better believe you will walk away contemplative. I think the pensive nature of all of my work is what sets me apart. You will know more about yourself after you’ve experienced me.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I think I have recently developed a realism that is rooted in humility. I no longer believe I can do it all and be the best at it. I am very aware of where I sit on the totem pole of other artists and musicians. It’s definitely not the highest. But I won’t allow that to stop me.
I used to think I had to be perfect. I think that’s the case for a lot of children that grew up with a genius essence. So much admiration and affirmation came from the things we DID. Things we produced. So as an adult, I’ve struggled with perfectionism and I’ve had a difficult time resting without feeling guilty. I tied my worth to the tangibles.
I no longer believe this. I put so much less pressure on myself. I’m no longer in a rush nor am I lusting for this version of myself that is going to keep up with the reputation and standard I THINK people have for me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Ohhhh yeeaaahhhh. I would say I did give up. I wasn’t sure if music was something that God wanted me to do. I felt like an imposter. But I now realize the imposter was the former version of myself. The lesson was that He didn’t want me creating music as I was. I needed more character development.
More specifically though, years back, I got caught up in a romantic relationship with my manager and it be came domestically violent. I yielded my entire career to God, begging Him to get me out of litigation. I was like, I don’t have to do music ever again, Lord! I’m all set! Lol. I will never forget, fall 2017, I got out of my contract, surrended my career and 2 weeks later opened for a Grammy nominated artist named, Bernhoft. He’s a vocal looper like me too so the serendipity was obvious. I literally toured the east coast with him a year later.
I don’t have the highest hopes for music right now. And I am still playing tug of war with the idea of purpose, gifting, and assignment. A lot of people around me are likening that to giving up but what I’ve really given up on is the idea that in order to prove that I haven’t given up, I have to want to be rich and famous. I don’t care about any of that anymore. But I got songs on my heart. And I’ma be a finisher.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
One thing people will tell you about me is that I am authentic. I am always sincere. I don’t want to be anyone else. Although tormenting at times, I love my mind. I love my idiosyncrasies. I’m flawed of course but I think people know I aim for goodness. I understand why people conform. I really do. But I just wasn’t built to.
So yes, you see what you get. I don’t show it all but I want to start. Like I said earlier, I’m being called to come out of hiding. So Jazzo the comedian, Jazzo the philosopher, Jazzo the poet, the visual artist, the teacher. We are unboxing the gifts. I’ma let my light shine.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working for other people. Shoot, I’m about to stop that now.
If I had ten years left, I would stop procrastinating. I would stop being afraid of what other people thought of me. I would tell my crush I’m interested and ask what’s good for the next decade lol. I’d stop taking so many naps too.
I think it’s worth answering what I would do with that time and I can answer that easily, I’d create. I’d swamp myself in debt creating visuals for choreography and poetry and music! I’d write all the time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsjazzo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmin-walters-819903201/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsJazzo
- Other: https://jazzo.bandcamp.com/album/first-fruits
