How to Make a Difference, the Gen Z Way: Take Notes from Musician, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Jaye Funk

The multi-talented youngster opens up about mental illness, the uplifting power of music and making a difference

Jaye Funk is what you might call a jack-of-all-trades, but by no means a master of none. When the Singaporean 25-year-old isn’t whipping up a storm behind the decks he’s most likely heading up his funk band, tending the bar at his cutting-edge drinking hole The Music Parlour or perhaps hosting one of his innovative London-based philanthropic events (he’s the brains behind countless charitable galas, balls and dinners). This is Generation Z at its frenetic, multi-disciplinary best.

This summer you’ll find the DJ-cum-philanthropist partnering up with the Girls I Rate gala, aimed at championing women in the creative industries. But that’s just the start – over the warmer months Funk’s determined to host a fresh string of fundraising events to help raise awareness for charities in support of disadvantaged young children, with the hope that they’re able to go on and pursue careers in music, art and fashion. Oh, and did we mention he’s also a brand ambassador for London designer Joshua Kane?

If this is the face of the future, all is not lost..

This summer you’ll find the DJ-cum- philanthropist partnering up with the Girls I Rate gala, aimed at championing women in the creative industries – but that’s not all – over the warmer months Funk’s’ determined to host a fresh string of fundraising events to help raise awareness for charities in support of disadvantaged young children, with the hope that they’re able to go on and pursue careers in music, art and fashion. Oh, and did we mention he’s also an apprentice tailor for London designer Joshua Kane? How he juggles it all, we’re not quite sure. But one thing’s certain: this man is determined to make a change.

What was the first song that made you fall in love with music?
Lose Yourself by Eminem. I suffered from anxiety and depression in my early teens. The first time I heard Eminem rapping about life’s darkness I felt inspired. I thought if he could do it, so can I. It helped me get back on my feet. And, of course, got me hooked on rap.

Your musical background is impressively varied, is there a genre that speaks to you?
Funk and dance music. I always want to up the tempo. I’m a huge fan of anything that’s simple but big on vibes and I wholeheartedly believe that happiness is a way of life. Nowadays, thanks to the likes of Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson, funk is making a huge comeback, which is no surprise considering it’s so inspirational.  

What was the best thing about being a teen sensation?
I was 15 when I started DJing and soon found myself playing at all these private parties in Singapore. The best thing about all that was the pocket money. I was earning great pocket money, which meant I could save to go travelling.

What’s your charity’s mission?
To get influencers to use their platform for good. Say someone with a huge following shares one of our charity’s events – their followers are more likely to then show an interest in that cause. It’s a chain reaction. It’s about making people realise that it’s cool to care.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start an organisation of their own?
If you truly believe in something, prepare to be your own cheerleader. Prepare to be thick skinned and not listen to the people who tell you that you can’t succeed. Even if you do fail, you’ll know you tried. However big a feat may seem, if you believe in yourself you’re one step closer to making your dream a reality.

What moment in your career are you most proud of to date?
Winning a National Business Award within the first year of launching my venue.

What does courage mean to you?
Loving yourself no matter what.

What’s influencing you musically right now?
Anything with a strong groove. But in particular: folk, roots, electronic and hip-hop.

Where do you want to be in ten years’ time?
I’d like to have my venues set up the world over. I hope to be bringing brilliantly minded creatives together under one roof and travelling across the world to exchange ideas and share networks.

Favourite city you’ve ever lived in and why?
London. There’s something always happening here. In London, you’re free to express yourself. Everyone I surround myself with here in London is super creative.

Mantra to live by?
Live what you love.