Esjay Jones and the rise of women in music production

IN AN INDUSTRY often dominated by male voices, Esjay Jones is a pow-erful force reshaping the landscape of music production.

- LUTHO PASIYA

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 US, 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 emphasized 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.

“Im 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.