Music has always been more than a passion for Jerry Frempong — it’s in his blood. His late father, Anthony Roberts Frempong, was a pioneer of the Ghanaian Hi-Life sound and founder of the legendary Asona Records, which helped bring international artists and African rhythms together in groundbreaking ways. Growing up surrounded by music and studio life in the late ’80s, Jerry was exposed early on to a potent fusion of traditional African beats and electronic experimentation — the early seeds of what would become his lifelong musical identity.
At 17, Jerry discovered the art of vinyl mixing by chance — a revelation that ignited his journey as a DJ. With a love for rhythm, community, and connection through music, Jerry began building a name for himself from his university days in Leeds, where he hosted campus parties with close friend Ian Morbey. Their complementary styles — Jerry championing UK Garage and soulful house, Ian favouring deeper, progressive house — forged a powerful creative partnership.
Inspired by nights at Back to Basics and influenced by greats like Erick Morillo, Ralph Lawson, and Carl Cox, Jerry’s sound evolved into a refined, soulful, and high-energy house style that resonates with diverse audiences. A vinyl purist, Jerry spent years digging through crates at iconic London record stores such as Release The Groove, Black Market Records, and Vinyl Junkies, shaping a rich and eclectic musical palette.
In 2004, fresh from global travels and brimming with inspiration, Jerry and Ian launched Pret A Ecouter — an intimate party series known for its “friends of friends” vibe, vibrant dance floors, and deep, genre-spanning sounds. Today, Pret A Ecouter continues to sell out River Thames boat parties and exclusive London gatherings, cultivating a loyal community of music lovers.
Jerry has graced the decks at elite venues including Ministry of Sound, Sankeys, Plan B, Sosho, Mint Club, Kensington Roof Gardens, Paramount Club, The Whitehouse, and Café de Paris, with performances also in Ibiza and across the UK. A seasoned selector and floor-commander, he’s supported icons like Danny Rampling, Nicky Holloway, Joey Negro, Norman Jay, Robert Owens, Trevor Fung, and Luke Solomon.
He also co-authored the influential book Everything You Need to Know About DJing & Success with UK house legend Danny Rampling and creative partner Ben Brophy, inspiring a new generation of DJs worldwide. Additionally, Jerry manages up-and-coming DJ talent through his agency, DJs on Demand, booking artists for international events and cultivating fresh musical voices.
A couple of years ago, while doing a spring clean at home, Jerry’s wife Katie made an astonishing discovery. Hidden at the bottom of the garden, among old tools and debris, were several mysterious bin-bags. She almost tossed them into the skip — until a gut feeling made her check inside. What she found was extraordinary: a massive, long-forgotten collection of rare soul, funk, disco, boogie, and vintage Ghanaian Highlife records.
Recognising the treasure immediately, Jerry realised he had unearthed a part of his father’s legacy. His father, Anthony Frempong, had founded Asona Records in the mid-1980s — from Peckham, South East London — with the mission to spotlight the electrifying genre known as Burger Highlife, a fusion of traditional West African music and European electronic influences.
When Pete Adarkwah, founder of the legendary BBE Music label, heard of the discovery, he reached out to Jerry to explore a possible reissue project. Together, they crafted a deal to relaunch Asona Records and reintroduce this historically rich catalogue to a new global audience.
The result is Asona Records reborn: a revival rooted in heritage, soul, and a fresh celebration of African sonic history — bridging past, present, and future.
Whether he’s behind the decks, curating events, mentoring talent, or unearthing musical legacies, Jerry Frempong is a true tastemaker and storyteller — driven by rhythm, community, and the power of sound to connect generations.
“If you don’t sweat, it ain’t a set.” – Jerry Frempong