Jacob Scott Jones, better known asiakopo (pronunciation: yah-koh-po), is an international recording artist. Until 2010, he performed as "Keys of Creation" before starting his career as a solo artist and officially recording and performing music under his name "Iakopo". His unusual upbringing is the reason for his music being such a fusion. Born in California, as the son of musical teacher, he's had a rough upbringing and had to move around a lot. First to the Samoa islands then Japan. Music has always been a part of his life, he would preforme in High School for free and was amazed by the audience's feedback. He would frequently travel and preform songs that he wrote. His musical career took off as he shuttled around the world. He had No. 1 hits in Hawaii, and got an offer from Universal Music Japan in 2009 and was brought to Japan. For five-years he was writing, recording, performing and releasing albums in Japan and beyond. He moved to Jamaica in February 2015 when his contract with Universal Music Japan expired, where he has been making hit songs with some of the most legendary Reggae artists. He is now working on his upcoming project which will be his biggest release yet.
How Much Culture Shock Did You Get From Moving To Samoa?
It was a big shock for me. Coming from The US and moving to the Samoan Islands, I came into a way of life that is completely different. People lived off of the land, everybody knew everybody's business, they slept on the floor, no TV's, no Microwaves and just surviving off nature. It was a very community based society, unlike where I came from.
Was It Difficult To Break Into The Reggae Market At First Or Were You Always Pat Of It?
I grew up preforming Raggae, so it was natural and easy for me. But you know, I don't look at music as markets, I just make music from the heart, and who ever likes it, likes it. A lot of my fans are Raggae listeners, however I have fans that are into other genres such as, Dancehall, HipHop and so on.
Since You Are On The Road A lot, What Is Your Wildest Tour Story?
There were many wild experiences, I'd say the wildest one was when I was touring around America in a tour bus that was running of Vegetable oil. We had to pull up to a McDonalds to fill it up with French Fries Grease. At first, the McDonalds employees weren't willing to give us the vegetable oil, but eventually, we got them to give us the oil buy buying 50 packs of French fries and preforming in the McDonalds. Many of the waitresses and employees ended up joining us on the bus and we got back on the road. A few hours later, we broke down in the middle of the desert.
What Is Your Favorite Musical Project So Far And Why?
My favorite would be the one that I am currently working on called "Burnings And Blessings". That is because I've been in a space where I am able to articulate my expressions into music in a way that I never had before, my artistic approach is more broader now, and my fanbase and demographic is wider. So I am able to cross over into different genres that I couldn't before. I am really exited about this project.
What Are The Three Most Valuable Lessons You Learned From Your Journey So Far?
-You should follow your instinct.
-Believe in yourself.
-Never give up and keep positive.
3 Non Reggae Artists You Would Like To Collaborate With?
"How We Do It", Feat Future Fambo, I was out in Jamaica working on a video with Sean Paul, ended up in the studio with a producer named Shanizzle, and we decided on the song we wanted to make. We vibed out, freestyled the song, named it How we do it and people were going crazy when we were shooting the video, kids came out from the neighborhoods and started singing the song.
How Did The World React To Your Style Of Music Since It Is Such A Fusion?
I've been getting a lot of love from all over the world. Africa, Japan, New Zeland, South Pacific and many more places. I've been getting great responses.
Since This Is A Middle East Based Publication, Are You Familiar With Any Music Coming From This Region?
I am not familiar with any Middle East Based Artist, however it would be cool to make some kind of crazy collaboration there. (we'll make it happen ;)
Where Do You See Yourself In The Next 10 Years?
I see myself with 10 mansions, 10 farms with different animals and plants. Growing Hemp, still making music and building an empire.
Tell Us About Your New Single.
"How We Do It", Feat Future Fambo, I was out in Jamaica working on a video with Sean Paul, ended up in the studio with a producer named Shanizzle, and we decided on the song we wanted to make. We vibed out,freestyled the song, named it How we do it and people were going crazy when we were shooting the video, kids came out from the neighborhoods and started singing the song.
Check Out Iapoko's Music At: https://www.iakopoworld.com/media