My First Job in Music: Jai Yoko
This month, Queer Capita is highlighting LGBTQ+ Music Industry Leaders through a new series titled My First Job in Music. February is centered on exceptional Black leaders for Black History Month. We continue the series with Jai Yoko (She/Her/They), the Founder of Jai Yoko Entertainment and a multi-faceted Artist Development Specialist, Project Manager, and Rights & Royalty Manager.
Based in Orlando, Jai’s journey is a masterclass in the power of the "sponge" mentality—turning formative internships into a thriving independent empire. Jai opens up about the mentors who taught her to stand her ground and the "core memory" of meeting a legend that validated her hard work.
Read about other LGBTQ+ Music Industry Leaders and Allies in our community.
What was your first job in music?
My first real job in music came through internships—learning by doing. One of my earliest and most formative experiences was working with Stephanie Davis, who was essentially a publicist and social media manager in today’s terms. That’s where I learned how to move professionally, support talent, and understand how story, media, and strategy work together. To me, she was a powerhouse queer Black woman who took no BS and was the battery pack behind the rising world of reality TV. At one point, we had a client on-demand near every major reality show.
Who was someone who supported you to help you get your start in your career?
DJ Dr. Doom—another internship that turned into lifelong love. Doom is like an industry dad to me. When I started interning with him, I was young and in a really fragile season: I’d dropped out of college, moved to Florida to be a caretaker, and felt like my life was crumbling. Meanwhile, Doom was the music director for Funk Fest, on the radio at 93.3 The Beat, and tapped into pretty much every major concert in town. He brought me into the nightlife world and made me his sponge—teaching me everything from crowd control to digital marketing. He introduced me to countless people, and that network became a catalyst for me starting my own company. Now we develop artists together, so going from intern to partners is a full-circle moment I don’t take for granted.
Jai’s early time in the music industry.
What was a lesson you learned at the start of your career that you still carry with you?
Stephanie taught me to stand my ground as a woman—especially as a Black woman in rooms where people will test you just because they can. She did her job impeccably, and when someone barked at her, she barked back. Watching her taught me to value my knowledge, my time, and what I bring to a room. Looking back, those lessons were pivotal. Little did I know she was preparing me for the misogyny and homophobia I’d eventually face in this industry—and how to advocate for myself without shrinking.
What was your favorite memory from your first job?
Watching Erykah Badu from the stage… and then meeting her afterward. I cried for hours. DJ Dr. Doom came through in the most thoughtful way. Since Badu was headlining Funk Fest that year, I’d been in his ear for almost two months like, “You sure you don’t need help?” The day of the show, he’d quietly coordinated with her team so I could be side stage. I had no idea. It was his way of showing appreciation for how hard I’d been working, and it taught me a real lesson in reciprocity in this industry. Core memory, forever.
Jai and Teyana Taylor
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust your struggle. Trust your timing. Your purpose is bigger than having the “dream label” name on your badge. Build the skills, build the relationships, build your integrity—and the right rooms will find you.
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