Jay Mac

Jay Mac (born James McDowell, 29 April 1990) is a British singer, rapper, and former professional wrestler from Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. His music draws on R&B, hip-hop, drum and bass, and pop.^[2]

Jay Mac was born on 29 April 1990 in Banbury, Oxfordshire. From a young age, he showed an interest in music, initially singing hymns and performing solos in church, which helped build his confidence as a vocalist.

He began writing original lyrics, freestyling, and participating in rap battles as a teenager and at the age of 13 his first track "The Anthem" began his path in urban music, using his early experiences to shape his blend of R&B, UK street music, Drum and bass, and pop elements.

Jay Mac's musical journey began when he was a teenager performing under the monikers Jay3 and Jaythree, before he took a step into the industry by forming the rock/R&B fusion band Baleve in his early 20s. His breakthrough came with the track "Never Let You Down", which he first showcased at Open Mic UK and grew across multiple platforms.^[3]

He gained wider national notoriety in 2016 as a finalist on The X Factor during the Six Chair Challenge under the mentorship of Sharon Osbourne. His journey ended just shy of the live shows through a decision some considered controversial.^[4]

In 2025, McDowell toured venues in Camden, Liverpool, Birmingham, Northampton, Colwyn Bay, and Hackney, and appeared at several festivals. His rendition of "Everybody" by the Backstreet Boys at Thame Festival was widely shared on social media.^[5]

His music has airplay on radio stations such as BBC Radio 1Xtra, Amazing Radio, and New Style Radio in Birmingham; and internationally on Valley FM Australia.^[6][7]

• ToogoodToobad (2015)
• El Loco (2020)
• How It Wuz (2022)

• "Never Let You Down" (2013)
• "Everytime" (2013)
• "Shine" (2013)
• "El Loco" (2020)
• "Those Eyes" (2020)
• "Hit This Once" (2020)
• "Few Steps" (2020)
• "How It Wuz" (2022)
• "Fxxin U" (2022)
• "PLT" (2022)
• "Pressure" (2025)
• "Iconik" (2025)
• "Jump Up" (2025)
• "I Might" (2025)

• "Return of Jay Mac"

Jay Mac is also the primary artist on the JMRE label, which he co-founded.

Jay Mac's 2025 tour included performances at:

• Camden (April 9)
• Liverpool (April 17)
• Colwyn Bay (May 11)
• The Lab, Northampton (May 17)
• Camden (May 28)
• Liverpool (June 6)
• Birmingham Phoenix Bar (June 20)
• The Lab, Northampton (June 21)
• Thame Pride (June 21)
• Shipston Proms (June 28)
• Hackney (June 29)
• Macclesfield Pride (July 5)
• Chesterfield (July 12)
• Isle of Sheppey (July 19)
• Lichfield (July 27)
• Basingstoke (August 16)
• HMV, Banbury (August 23)
• Great Yarmouth (September 6)
• Northampton Music Festival (September 7)

The Macclesfield Nub News referred to his "... explosive set that had the whole town bouncing," while Thame Pride reviewers highlighted his "incredible energy and connection — one of the best acts of the day." Liverpool fans called attention to his "best energy and stage presence." Jay Mac performs at LGBTQ+ Pride events, advocating for inclusivity while he openly identifies as straight.^[8][9]

Under the ring name Jay Mac the Whole Mackage, McDowell competed primarily in the WIH Wrestling promotion in Hinckley, as well as in NBWA and events in Coalville and Middleton Cheney. Active for approximately five years, he usually portrayed a "heel" character, engaging in local rivalries and participating in battle royals. He produced and performed his own wrestling entrance song titled "Return of Jay Mac". His wrestling record and events are documented on various wrestling databases.^[10][11]

Jay Mac is an advocate for positive social values, campaigning actively against knife crime, drug dealing, and violence. He is vocal about his opposition to music that glorifies these themes, emphasizing authenticity in urban music scenes. He also advocates for fathers’ rights.^[12]

Jay Mac won the Shipston Proms Introducing competition in 2025, earning the opportunity to perform at the main Shipston Proms alongside established artists such as Judge Jules and Richard Parfitt Junior.^[13]

His music has charted in Australia, England, and the United States, and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Amazing Radio, New Style FM Birmingham, and Valley FM Australia.^[14][15]

Jay Mac is actively involved in community outreach, focusing on promoting positive social values among youth. He campaigns against knife crime and violence, encouraging safer and constructive lifestyles.^[16]

He advocates for fathers’ rights.^[17]

Through JMRE Events, he contributes to local culture by organizing inclusive entertainment formats such as karaoke takeovers, bingo nights, and corporate events, fostering community engagement.^[18]