In an industry often dominated by male voices, Esjay Jones is a powerful force reshaping the landscape of music production.
A Grammy-featured record producer, songwriter and entrepreneur, Jones has spent over two decades carving her niche in a sector where women are typically underrepresented.
Her impressive resume includes collaborations with acclaimed artists like Dave Navarro, Sean Kingston and Jeffree Star, a testament to her innovative approach to music-making.
Born in Durban, her early exposure to music came from her time spent in church, where she learned to play a wide array of instruments. She first tasted success with her band, Stealing Love Jones, achieving chart-topping hits and experiencing both the thrills and challenges of the music industry.
In 2009, Jones relocated to the United States, diving head-first into music production and engineering. It was here that she truly began to explore her creative boundaries, experimenting across genres and developing her signature sound.
Describing her studio environment, Jones emphasised the importance of energy and collaboration. "I create a space where artists feel comfortable enough to take risks, experiment, and tap into something real," she explained.
"I'm super hands-on and involved in every aspect, whether it’s songwriting, sound design or fine-tuning vocals." Her hands-on approach and commitment to detail have garnered her respect within the industry, where efficiency and creativity often have to coexist.
However, Jones’ journey has not been without its challenges. In a predominantly male space, she has faced the dual hurdles of visibility and recognition. "One of the biggest barriers I have faced is simply being taken seriously in a room full of men," she admitted.
"Early in my career, people often assumed I was either the singer, the songwriter, or assisting someone else, rather than the producer." This underestimation has been compounded by the insular networks within the industry, which historically exclude women from major projects and opportunities.
Yet, her resolve remains unshaken. "Representation matters," Esjay asserted, highlighting her commitment to creating pathways for aspiring female producers. "I want young girls to see that they can shape sound and make creative decisions, not just be the singer or songwriter."
Her message is clear: the more women there are in production roles, the more the industry can shift towards inclusivity and recognition of diverse talents.
In line with her mission to elevate women's voices in music, Jones has partnered with US sensation Miss Velvet on a new single titled “Hallelujah”. As both co-writer and producer, Jones is excited to collaborate with Velvet, who is known for her powerful vocals and bold artistry.
She shared her enthusiasm for introducing “Hallelujah” to her home country: “This is beyond exciting. SA has such a deep appreciation for soulful music and I know this track will resonate widely.”
Jones described the emotional energy embedded in the song as one that speaks to resilience and unity, asserting her pride in bringing this collaboration to life.
Working with Velvet has been described by Jones as a "force of nature experience." She admired Velvet’s fire and commitment to authenticity, noting, “Every time we’re in the studio, she brings her all. She’s got this insane energy - fearless, passionate, and completely locked into her brand and music.
She’s unapologetically herself, she doesn’t hold back and she’s not afraid to voice her opinions or ignore outside forces. It’s rare to find an artist who knows exactly what she wants to communicate while remaining open to evolving the song together.”
Remarking on their unique synergy, Velvet said: “When I met Esjay, I instantly felt a palpable electricity between us. With Esjay being South African, born and bred, our connection took on an even deeper meaning.
We found an incredible bond through our shared love of music and songwriting. ‘Hallelujah’ came on the heels of us being immersed in each other’s lives through songwriting for the last two years.”
“I truly believe that when a spark is powerful, it takes time to nurture. It takes time to get to know each other, and to understand how deep you want certain lyrics and messages to go.
And in doing so - because Esjay was living with me and my family while we were writing these records - she experienced firsthand this next phase of my life: balancing early motherhood while continuing my career. We knew that was something we wanted to capture in the song,” she added.
As for the future, Jones confirmed that fans can anticipate a music tour in SA.
“We’re planning shows for 2026 and we want it to be unforgettable! The energy, the vocals and that real connection will be at the forefront.”
Among Jones, Lutho Pasiya spotlights other exceptional women producers who are set to reshape the soundscape of the nation.
Kay Faith: Faith is an award-winning engineer turned record producer, making significant contributions to the South African hip hop scene.
Thando Zide: Hailing from Soweto, Zide is an independent artist whose extensive musical journey has seen her collaborate with numerous acclaimed South African musicians.
Miz-Dee: Dee is known for her soulful house music and she's also collaborated with artists like Jackie Queens on projects like the album "Back to Us" which addresses issues of female brutality, oppression and femicide.