Toronto-based, Rwanda-born artist Jozem explores the complex emotions of love and relationships in his latest EP Summerhaze, capturing the moody essence of summers when inner turmoil clashes with the season's outward joy. Whether it's a summer fling ending in heartbreak or challenges in friendships, Jozem's music reflects those moments when you try to join the fun but can’t shake off the sadness beneath.
The EP came together organically, inspired by personal experiences and those of close friends. The title track, "Summerhaze," was written after witnessing a friend struggle during a difficult summer. Jozem reflects on how they both pretended everything was fine to maintain the seasonal mood, a facade that only deepened their emotional pain. This experience reinforced the importance of being open with loved ones and allowing genuine connections to help us heal.
Following his debut album, it came to me in a dream, and a European summer tour, Summerhaze marks a new chapter in Jozem’s journey. His genre-defying sound and deeply introspective lyrics continue to resonate, offering listeners a poignant reflection on the bittersweet beauty of life’s emotional highs and lows.
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Photo credit: Marie Ouardiya
