Today we’d like to introduce you to Jadula Freydank.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Jadu, a musician from Berlin, Germany. I’m in Topanga Canyon, a place that holds a very special meaning for me, it feels like it found me when I needed it the most.
I released my first album in 2019 and toured extensively across Germany and Europe. Then the pandemic hit, which marked a major turning point and, like for many artists, brought a lot of uncertainty and challenges. During that time, I had to go back to my former job as a real estate agent. I worked by day and wrote my second album at night.
I went on tour again, played a few shows with US Rock Band Ayron Jones and played my last concert in end of 2022.
I was physically, emotionally, and creatively drained, and deep down, I knew something had to change.
That’s when I first came to beautiful Topanga Canyon. Since then, I’ve kept coming back. I’ve made new friends here, and there’s something about this place that brings me peace – it’s where I began to truly heal, and it changed my life completely.
It’s also where I met my soulmate, Jordan Sanders. He’s an actor and a multi-talented creative who also makes music. Together, we’ve been traveling across the country, finding new inspiration in the places we explore. Being with him has reignited my creativity, and we’re now working on new projects together. We recently got engaged, and looking back, it feels like everything began here. Topanga became the start of a new chapter, and somehow, piece by piece, things started to fall into place.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My musical journey was a rollercoaster. I’ve always been strong-willed and followed my own vision. I write and compose, blending strings, electronic elements, and rock influences. My lyrics, written in German, are poetic and metaphorical, often open to interpretation or misunderstanding.
Through my artistic persona, I reflect both the world around me and what moves me from within interweaving it all into a larger picture, like a form of expressionism. From up close, it may seem confusing but the further you step back, the more meaning you uncover, and the clearer the picture becomes.
I founded my own record label, ran my online shop, and tried to manage as much as I could on my own. When the pandemic hit, I had a full European tour planned that got canceled, leaving me to cover all the costs. It was a tough chapter but I’ve made peace with it.
The music I’m creating now is different, because I’ve changed. Personal transformation takes time, honesty, and letting go.
The road has been rocky but I’m grateful I stayed true to it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer, guitarist, composer and producer. I originally always wanted to write music for films, and you can hear that in my productions. It’s part of my overall artistic concept, which brings together music, lyrics, and visual storytelling. My projects were always envisioned like cinematic experiences, almost like feature films.
As an African American-German Woman, I brought a perspective that was rarely represented in my country’s music scene. It provoked, sparked discussion, and stood out at a time when everything felt like more of the same. I was honestly bored by the German music scene and kind of crashed into it with something different.
Looking back, I’m proud of what I achieved on my own terms: I worked with the Metropolis Orchestra Berlin, I was invited by the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) to speak to students about my artistic approach. I received Gold and Platinum awards for my contribution to productions by other artists, I was invited by MTV and toured alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. I performed at Rock am Ring – one of Europe’s biggest rock festival stages, all without being signed to a major label, without chasing trends or TikTok dances, and with just a handful of true friends helping to bring it all to life. That means a lot to me.
That rebellious version of “Jadu” is now part of the past. My new music that I am working on feels softer, more peaceful. I’m shifting my focus also back toward composing for film, which is where I want to grow, learn, and find new inspiration, because while lyrics mattered, composing music has always been where my true passion lies. I’ve always loved writing music even more than writing words. And to be honest, I don’t think I could write the same melancholic lyrics as I did back then – I’m simply too happy now. 🙂
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Of course, to the people who still listen to my old records and continue to support me – thank you!
I’m especially grateful for my fiancé, who truly empowers me at this moment and is also my creative partner as we shape new visions together.
My sister, my mom, and my grandma, along with my close circle of friends who have always played a huge role in helping with planning, production, videos, and everything in between.
I’m deeply thankful to so many people that I may not be able to name everyone here.
Special thanks to Metropolis Orchestra Berlin, Sabine, Niederberghaus from Topanga, Jennifer Naumann (Artistpreneur), Kai Lotze, Benedikt Hugendubel, Joeline, Stacy, Doro, Cindy and Rune Jürgensen.
My production team: Andreas Jung, BenDMA, Henrik Miko, Dead Rabbit, and Olsen Involtini.
My band: Valery Heer, Pascal Lonsdorfer, Martin Lüdicke, Mats Björke, Ludvig Larsson, and Jörn Hedtke.
And to anyone I haven’t mentioned here – please know that your contribution has not gone unnoticed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jadufreydank
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/jaduofficial
Image Credits
Anelia Janeva, Matthias Matthies, Paul Gaertner, Luke Rodriguez, Lottigrafie, Chris Schwarz
