Jazz Has Evolved, But Innovation Must Lead – Dela Jackson
Afro-rock and jazz storyteller Dela Jackson has called for greater innovation in contemporary jazz, praising the genre’s evolution while urging emerging musicians to push creative boundaries.
Speaking on Roots and Routes on ZED FM during a discussion on “The Role of Live Jazz in Destination Experience,” Jackson reflected on jazz’s journey from its African American roots to the diverse subgenres shaping today’s soundscape.
“Jazz has evolved over the years. It started with African Americans, and today you have smooth jazz, Afro-rock jazz, makossa jazz, acid jazz, traditional jazz, even what some call Disneyland jazz. A whole lot is happening, and it’s exciting and encouraging that people are experimenting,” Jackson said.
Jackson noted that while musicians have mastered musical techniques, the real challenge lies in originality. “If you talk about music, chords and scales, all the chords and scales are being played. The message now needs to be more innovative. What are the new songs you want to bring up?” He explained.
The seasoned performer believes the current wave of “New Age” and Gen Z jazz artists are blending genres rather than creating gaps in the industry. “They blend in,” he said, suggesting that fusion has become a defining feature of modern jazz.
Despite being rooted in Afro-rock and traditional jazz storytelling, Jackson said he embraces experimentation and collaboration with younger artists.
“Yes, I like experiments, and I’ve been trying many things out,” he said.
One such experiment appears on his previous album, Testimonial, where he collaborated with Dr. Nii Ayi Solomon on the track “Elevanyo.” Jackson described the song as one of the album’s standout pieces.
“On that album, I featured Doctor AI Salomon on a song called ‘Elevanyo.’ It has a fusion of languages. He’s fluent in English, Ghanaian languages, and Togolese Ewe. On that piece, we did English, and at the tail end of the track, he sang in Togolese. If you understand it, it gives you goosebumps,” he said.
Jackson maintains that live jazz remains central to cultural tourism and destination experiences, arguing that innovation, collaboration and storytelling will continue to shape the genre’s global relevance.
