In The Groove: Sky Jetta brings Detroit energy to MOCAD’s 20th anniversary reopening

Detroit-rooted DJ and producer Sky Jetta joined In The Groove to talk about how the city continues to shape her sound, even after spending time in places like Chicago and Atlanta. Drawing from Detroit’s deep musical legacy from Stevie Wonder to The O’Jays and the raw energy of ghetto tec, Jetta describes her connection to the city as something instinctive rather than learned. “It’s not something you pick up, it’s something you grow up with,” she says. “The sound of Detroit just stays in you.” 

That influence carried into her late teens and early 20s, when Detroit’s rap scene was gaining momentum with artists like Doughboyz Cashout and Team Eastside. “Now you hear it everywhere, but we were living it back then,” Jetta says, pointing to the city’s gritty, homegrown style that has since reached a wider audience. 

In recent years, Jetta has focused more intentionally on ghetto tech, both in her DJ sets and production work. While her taste spans multiple genres, she says narrowing in on one sound helped her find clarity as an artist. “When you’re into everything, it’s easy to lose your identity,” she explains. “Now I’m sticking to what I love and building my sound around that.” 

That approach will be on full display as she helps soundtrack the reopening of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with new exhibitions and a major renovation. Jetta is set to perform at MOCAD’s April 24 preview party, where she’ll bring that same energy to the late-night celebration. “I’m just bringing myself, Detroit energy, and high vibrations,” she says.