Carrying on the Musical Legacy: Joey Bogdanovich's Journey in the Footsteps of His Mother, Toya

In the vibrant world of Jamaican music, the legacy of late singjay Toya lives on through her only child, Joseph 'Joey' Bogdanovich. As the son of Toya and Downsound Records CEO Joe Bogdanovich, the 15-year-old is poised to carry on his mother's musical influence, with a keen interest in music production and a growing roster of talented artists he's already begun recording.

Embracing the Rhythms of Dancehall's Finest

Joey's musical inclinations are evident from an early age. Inspired by his mother's artistry and his father's industry expertise, the young prodigy has already started collaborating with close peers, honing his skills in music production. During a recent interview on the The Truth is Real podcast, Joey expressed his admiration for a diverse array of dancehall artists, showcasing his discerning musical taste."I'd say my favourite artist right now is definitely Pablo YG," Joey shared, "I really like his music. I've been listening to his music for, like, two years now… I like his voice and I also like Jquan, and I like Valiant as well." This eclectic selection of artists reflects Joey's keen ear for talent and his willingness to explore the vibrant dancehall landscape.However, when presented with a list of potential acts for a juggling rhythm, including the legendary Mavado, Joey made a bold declaration of his allegiance to Vybz Kartel, the 'World Boss' of dancehall. "Nah, more Vybz Kartel," the youngster asserted, "I love Vybz, he's probably my favourite… I couldn't do that." This unwavering admiration for Vybz Kartel's artistry showcases Joey's deep understanding and appreciation for the genre's most influential figures.

Embracing the Family Legacy

As the son of Toya and Joe Bogdanovich, Joey is no stranger to the music industry. In addition to his music production pursuits, he is also gaining valuable experience as an intern at Reggae Sumfest, the renowned music festival organized by Downsound Entertainment. This hands-on involvement in the industry's inner workings provides Joey with a unique opportunity to learn the ropes and explore his own interests within the family business.However, when asked about the possibility of taking over the reins from his father someday, Joey remains uncertain. "I'm not really sure to be honest, but right now, I'm just learning, like, doing the summer job… Learn something new every year, so not yet," he shared. This measured approach reflects a maturity beyond his years, as Joey navigates the balance between his own aspirations and the family legacy.

Honoring the Memory of Toya

The late Toya, whose given name was Latoya Jackson, was a beloved figure in the Jamaican music scene, known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. Her untimely passing in 2015 at the age of 30 due to diabetic complications left an indelible mark on her family and the industry she had come to represent.During the interview, Joe Bogdanovich acknowledged Toya's enduring legacy, positioning the set before her portrait and speaking fondly of her contributions. "His mom was somebody that came from the dancehall and she was very special in the arena," he said. "She's the one that gave birth to my son; God bless her heart." Toya's musical legacy, which includes hits like "Boss Lady," "You a Life," and "True Blessing," continues to inspire and guide her son's own musical journey.As Joey Bogdanovich navigates the path laid out before him, he carries the weight of his mother's legacy and the support of his father's industry expertise. With a keen ear for talent, a deep appreciation for dancehall's finest, and a measured approach to his own future, Joey is poised to make his mark on the Jamaican music scene, honoring the memory of his mother and forging his own unique path.