JC Regal
- Director
- Actor
- Writer
JC Regal, who also goes by the stage moniker Jayheru Setepenra, is a versatile Bahamian artist known for his work as a record producer, lyricist, emcee, actor, filmmaker, writer, director, and creative. Widely recognized as one of the best hip-hop producers, JC Regal seamlessly blends into his music: soul, funk, and jazz, frequently incorporating haunting horns, flutes, and global sounds, layered with vocal snippets and strings. His eclectic style fuses numerous genres into what's been called "Neo-Soul Jazz Hip-Hop." One signature is his skill at using obscure horn and wind elements to enrich his grooves. Another distinctive trait is his creative use of unconventional instruments, from air and water to everyday objects. Regal also made his mark as a rapper, sharing stages with renowned acts like Capleton, Maxi Priest, Patra, Born Jamericans, Naughty By Nature, Donnie McClurkin, and Phil Driscoll. Regal was arguably the first lyricist and emcee in his native country to have story raps, rapping with a narrative structure in his native dialect. In his storytelling, he used multi-voices to portray different characters. Under entertainment pioneer Linc Scavella's mentorship in the 1990s, he co-directed the ABAP performance association. Regal rose to prominence in the early 1990s as one half of the critically acclaimed BAP award-winning hip-hop group Misphytz, and additionally gained fame for his writing, production, and choreography for acts like Juvenile, and others, attracting the attention of Universal Music Group. Remarkably, he won coveted BAP Awards for Best Producer, Writer, Choreographer, Rap Artist, Rap Duo/Group, and Overall Act/Performer (c.1996). His recognition as co-director of the widely popular Dramatic Force drama group, and founder of the music/drama group HAVOC would see him well into the early 2000s with rave reception. Regal also gained fame writing and producing jingles and TV commercials, most notably for a local computer company where he appeared in comedic roles portraying multiple characters onscreen. During college, Regal started Radio COB to entertain students at the College of the Bahamas with sketches and comedic radio ads. As a Brand Cre8ive & Consultant he would later launch a branding and consulting firm, and go on to garner international awards for his work with several Fortune 500 and world-renowned companies, including Lloyds TSB, Pfizer, PriceWaterhouse, BMW and BTC, further demonstrating his multifaceted talents. In 2014, Regal wrote, directed, and produced the short film 'Breaking Point' for Bank of the Bahamas, adding to his cadre of notable achievements.
As a martial arts practitioner, JC Regal is proficient in several disciplines, including Muay Thai, Silat, and Kung Fu, which he began studying in his early youth. In the early 2000s, he trained at the Bai Sung Institute's "Four Winds of Kung Fu" under Sifus Cedric Miller and Lynden French, later developing his own unique style and techniques.
Humanitarianism is at his heart; Regal founded a private non-profit organization which, as of 2023, operates in seven countries. His other business ventures include philanthropic work in Africa and the diaspora. An avid learner and teacher, Regal incorporates his diverse interests - including Kemetic spirituality, science, philosophy, and the arts - into his music and films.
As of December 2023, JC Regal has several major projects in the works, including a series of sketches and shorts, music videos, his long-awaited debut album, and full-length feature films 'Volatile', and 'The Calling'.
As a martial arts practitioner, JC Regal is proficient in several disciplines, including Muay Thai, Silat, and Kung Fu, which he began studying in his early youth. In the early 2000s, he trained at the Bai Sung Institute's "Four Winds of Kung Fu" under Sifus Cedric Miller and Lynden French, later developing his own unique style and techniques.
Humanitarianism is at his heart; Regal founded a private non-profit organization which, as of 2023, operates in seven countries. His other business ventures include philanthropic work in Africa and the diaspora. An avid learner and teacher, Regal incorporates his diverse interests - including Kemetic spirituality, science, philosophy, and the arts - into his music and films.
As of December 2023, JC Regal has several major projects in the works, including a series of sketches and shorts, music videos, his long-awaited debut album, and full-length feature films 'Volatile', and 'The Calling'.