Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Jigstyle.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
So, how I got started is my mother’s oldest sister, my Aunty Janet (God rest her soul) saw a raw talent in me before anyone else did, including myself, back when I was growing up in the Bronx, NY. When I moved, she knew how big of a fan I was of Michael Jackson and sent me a VHS tape of Michael Jackson’s “History” that included all of his biggest music video hits in his prime. This is what sparked me on becoming a dancer. I remember since elementary school, I was a very good singer as well, due to my musical background & ability to play the piano by ear. I wanted to perform in my first talent show but was not supported by my mother or the teachers to do it. This experience was discouraging. It broke my spirit and made me quit singing.
This leads into my dance influence. This type of movement art came from three experiences in my life: Musical/Dance Artists and Producers, Miming/spiritual dancers in and out the church, and street dancers from my own, as well as, other underground neighborhoods in the U.S especially in ATL, FLA, NYC, & LA.
With both my singing and dancing ability, I knew something was no longer missing in knowing my path, God has me on. A (Monica – So Gone) #singingchallenge popped up on my social media and I decided to do it. I wrote an original verse and posted it on Facebook, not expecting anything to come from it. It went Viral! No one was aware I liked to sing. From there, I made my own beats, added more to the verse and turned it into my first song that people still listen’ to today, called “If That’s Alright.”
Being inspired by MJ, I was no longer just “Jigsaw the dancer” but was evolved into “Michael Jigstyle -The Entertainer.” CEO of Jigstyle (Ji) Production and NTSTRZ Ent. music Label on the rise.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
On my rise up, there was always a friendly competition, but to some, they took this more seriously. This was to a point where things can sometimes turn physical. It’s common like any other “sport” that egoes and confidence can easily get intertwined or misconstrued when trying not to allow someone to discredit “your” art. I remember rumors spreading about me of the most outrages things, such as being a liar, a crew hopper, needing attention, and my favorite, being called a (biter or copy-cat). Other movement artist did their best to try and dimension my character in hopes it will stop my growth as a popular dancer in other fans eyes. It didn’t work!!! I just kept posting, I just kept traveling, I just kept dancing. ATL was one of the first few cities, I could say I had to go through the challenges and earn a certain level of respect in their dance scene, being that I wasn’t originally born here.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Along this Journey as a Movement Artist and Producer, I have worked with one of the biggest technology companies in the world. I have grown from a Sales “Specialist” to a Genius Bar “Technician” since 2013. They have always been a support of my dreams and strive on respecting employees work-life balance. I’ve learned what it is like to have a team. How to live by the credo that doesn’t just give you tips in your day to day workplace, but in life. Working for this company has definitely made me a better person.
In addition, I also have done mitzvahs and corporate parties for a long time, as well as performing on cruise ships. With these experiences I have, it’s really molded me on how to be a great “crowd pleaser” so to speak. This is what sets me apart from a lot of entertainers, imo.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson for me is that I learned so much about what fame looks and feels like (on a smaller level) and helped prepare me for the real world-real fame to come. I realized at the end of the day, “not everyone is going to like you and your craft. It’s your story and you are the author. Do you want to leave this earth without finishing your story? Then you have to push through and finish it. Leave no possible regrets to come back to you when you are truly done and satisfied with your legacy. You’ll never know who your story can inspire!” -Jigs$
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jigstyle_official
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JigstyleOfficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Jigaman101
- SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/Jigstyle954
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jigstyle_official
Image Credits
@viviimage @mikesmarro.photography @lauriecaradonna @visualsbymalonephotography
