REAL BODIES
CALLING THE TUNE
Trans singer Jadeya is making her voice heard, sharing the story of her transition through her music as well as on social media. Following gender affirming surgery, the 27-year-old is now getting her groove back, as she reveals
As told to Alastair James
Photography Francisco Gomez de Villaboa
Imoved to London about eight years ago to pursue a career as a singer/ songwriter, which is still in motion. I’ve worked mainly in queer hospitality jobs. I never expected a music career to happen overnight, especially considering I started transitioning not long after I moved here and that took over.
Everything I write about in my songs is based on what I’ve lived through. I have a lot of unreleased music (which isn’t just about penis), about growing up, my identity and comforting my inner child. It’s just a lot more difficult to publish that kind of material.
I was surprised that I found it difficult to compose while recovering from my SRS (sex reassignment surgery) in May. I had literally just got everything that I had ever wanted and then blank! Gradually, things have picked up again, and now I can express myself in a way I couldn’t before. I can wear what I want in music videos, which changes everything. Looking back, I can see I lacked confidence, so I can’t wait to work on more now. I can even write and rap about my brand-new beautiful vagina, which I have always wanted to do.