Who is Jux, the dark-skinned boy who was recently spotted alongside actress Iyabo Ojo's 23-year-old daughter Priscilla? Are they dating, married or could it just be another publicity stunt?
These are questions many Nigerians are eager to know as photos and videos of lovers continue to trend on social media, even stealing the shine from the high-octane wedding ceremony of Yhemolee, the nightlife influencer, media personality, and her partner Tayo B on Saturday.
Until Saturday, Jux, a Tanzanian artist and songwriter, was not a household name in Nigeria. But all that changed when his relationship with Priscilla, which was largely speculative and thought to be a publicity stunt, was confirmed to be true.
The Tanzanian music star is on holiday in Nigeria and was given a presidential welcome by Priscilla and then introduced by Iyabo to fanfare and paparazzi.
In late July, Jux officially confirmed that he was dating someone again. Four weeks earlier, he had posted photos with a stunning woman (Priscilla), prompting his Tanzanian fans to speculate about her identity.
Prior to his most recent ex, Karen Bujulu, Jux was in a long-term relationship with singer Vanessa Mdee, who has since moved on with Nigerian-American singer and actor Rotimi and is married with children.
The “Enjoy” hitmaker posted the photos of Priscilla on his Instagram page and Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz and Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza, who seemed to approve of the romance, confirmed Jux's relationship status.
Article page with promotion of financial support Singer Jux and Priscilla Who is Jux?
Born on 1 September 1989 in Dar es Salaam, Jux developed a passion for music at the age of 16, beginning to rap for his friends and peers.
Jux, whose real name is Juma Mkambala, initially began his music career as a rapper. He signed with Tanzanian record label AM Records in 2008 and went on to record R&B tracks. He has since released several popular songs including “Sugua” featuring Diamond Platnumz, “Juu” featuring Vanessa Mdee and “Regina” featuring Otile Brown. He has also collaborated with several African musicians including Joh Makini, Zuchu, Gyakie, Bien and Marioo.
Just before his relationship with Priscilla, his romance with Vanessa Mdee, a Tanzanian singer and television personality, was one of East Africa's most talked-about celebrity relationships before their breakup in 2019. Jux was then involved with model and influencer Karen Bujulu, but they split in April.
Outside of music, Jux, also known as “African Boy”, has a keen interest in fashion, having launched his clothing line in 2018. The brand, which is widely available across East Africa, reflects his unique style and has gained a significant following.
Juma Jux Race
In 2015, the 35-year-old singer won the “Best R&B Song” award for his track “Nitasubiri” at the Kili Music Awards, also known as the National Tanzania Music Awards. In 2017, he won the Best East African Music Video award at the Zanzibar International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events in Tanzanian music, celebrating the country’s best musical talents.
In 2017, Jux was awarded the Best East African Music Video award at one of East Africa's most respected cultural events, the Zanzibar International Film Festival, for his music video “Utaniua”. In 2018 and 2019, Jux was nominated for “Best East African Male Artist” at the AFRIMMA Awards. He also performed at Coke Studio Africa in 2019. In 2018, his song “Uzuri Wako” (meaning “Your Goodness”) was banned by the Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority, along with several other songs, including those by Diamond Platnumz, for violating Tanzanian cultural standards.
Jux's career includes standout tracks such as “Enjoy”, “Nitasubiri”, “Fashion Killer”, “Sugua”, “Juu”, and “Nidhibiti”. After releasing numerous singles, Jux released his debut album in 2019, “The Love Album”. In November 2022, Jux released his second album, King Of Hearts, to critical acclaim, which includes collaborations with Zuchu, Marioo, Mbosso, Terri, Bien, and more.
In 2023, Jux made headlines in Tanzania with his second collaboration with Diamond Platnumz titled “Enjoy”. The song, a fusion of Bongo Flava and Amapiano, received mixed reviews, with critics noting similarities to Spyro's “Who Is Your Guy?”. It was later removed from YouTube after Congolese singer Sapo Loguano Odenumz claimed copyright infringement.
An unusual love story
Although it is unclear when the couple started dating, the singer’s first post about Priscilla appeared on June 19. The video he shared featured her and was captioned with a reference to her top song, “Maboss,” released in May. Nigerians had speculated that their relationship was a PR stunt, similar to many celebrity stunts designed to generate buzz. Many fans had even assumed that she was just a video girl.
Their relationship first came to public attention when a viral video showed Jux and Priscilla together at Elements Restaurant Lounge in Tanzania. The video, which shocked many, showed Priscilla twerking on Jux, which quickly sparked speculation on social media about their relationship. Priscilla's first public post was on July 22 with the caption: “Mine.”
Jux had been subtly posting about Priscilla on Instagram, hinting at their closeness, but many were surprised due to Priscilla's known friendship with famous Nigerian influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa.
In July, the 35-year-old singer shared photos of himself and Priscilla enjoying a poolside getaway in swimsuits. Priscilla confidently commented, “Forever with you.” However, subsequent reactions and speculation were mixed when Diamond Platnumz commented on the post, calling Jux “our wife” and extending his best wishes to the couple.
Jux and Priscy. Photo credit: @Priscy Instagram
Chioma Ikokwu aka Chioma Good Hair and Iyabo’s friend recounted how Jux met the 23-year-old influencer and experienced love at first sight. She explained: “From the moment you (Priscilla) first saw him (Jux), you laughed. He wasn’t even looking up but we noticed and smiled. When he finally saw you on the plane, he couldn’t take his eyes off you and kept staring at you until he finally approached you. It’s always been a case of love at first sight so to witness this development is truly beautiful.”
In another Instagram post, the 35-year-old entrepreneur excitedly wrote: “Argh! Nothing has hurt me more this summer than that. I am not in Nigeria right now to welcome you! But what we started in Kigali, Rwanda will continue and flourish to reach the greatest heights in Nigeria!”
Chioma wished that the joy would last forever and that their bond would become stronger. She expressed her love for them and expressed her excitement to officially celebrate their union.
It is also evident that the relationship is strategic; the mother and Priscilla are both stars with a solid fan base. As a result, Jux and Priscilla now share a growing fan base in Tanzania and Nigeria. Some comments on their arrival even congratulated Jux for choosing a prominent and reputable Nigerian family.
Wedding bells?
Priscilla and Jux's relationship was solidified on Saturday when the 23-year-old influencer welcomed the singer to Nigeria with an entourage and a grand gesture.
Their arrival in Nigeria coincided with the singer’s 35th birthday, making it a unique experience. Priscilla organised a motorcade and traditional dancers greeted him at the airport, while security and the motorcade created a festive atmosphere. Jux also draped a Nigerian flag over his shoulder as he danced to the traditional performers. After this, the couple shared a public kiss, further confirming their relationship.
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo’s Instagram post fills seem to approve of her daughter’s relationship. The heartwarming video shows Iyabo Ojo, an apparent grandmother, and other family members welcoming Prisclla’s Tanzanian lover into their home. Jux, who was treated to a traditional Nigerian meal of Okro and Yam Poundo, was warmly welcomed by the family, with Iyabo Ojo herself referring to him as her “son.”
Juma Jux was welcomed into the home of Priscilla's mother, Iyabo Ojo
In a post to mark Jux’s birthday, the 46-year-old actress shared a video of him at home and showered him with prayers and blessings. “Happy birthday to my darling son, @juma_jux,” she wrote. “Wishing you all the best in life including long life, prosperity, and good health. Thank you for bringing joy and love into my daughter’s life. You are welcomed into our family with open arms. May God continue to bless and guide you. May your special day be filled with happiness and may you always be a blessing to others.”
The title of the Instagram video wasn't the only clue; when Jux welcomed Priscilla into his home, she danced happily as Jux smiled happily with the family members. Iyabo even taught Jux how to dance with Priscilla, a lead that Priscilla then took up.
In a birthday post for the singer on Sunday, Priscilla expressed her deep affection and said he had revealed to her the “true meaning of love” and brought “immense joy” to her life. The 23-year-old influencer described him as a fantastic person with a big heart and shared that he always brings out her inner child. Priscilla also called him “the key” to her heart.
In a post on Monday, Priscila shared a romantic video of herself and Jux dressed in pink traditional outfits. The video, which appears to be from a pre-wedding photoshoot, has garnered thousands of views and numerous congratulatory messages from Nigerians and Tanzanians. It was captioned with “Ololufemi” and the hashtag #JP, indicating Jux and Priscilla.