Nigerian drift superstar Jamus Bashar Muhammad, popularly known as Jaybash, is looking back on a decade in motorsport with deep emotion and renewed ambition, coming shortly after his historic triple victory in Kenya.
His reflection followed a heartfelt message in which he revealed that ten years of mistakes, pressure and personal battles have shaped him into the confident driver he is today.
Jaybash’s recent success at the East Africa Drift Championship, where he won First Position in the Pro Masters category, First Position overall, and earned recognition as the Nigerian Drift King — has only strengthened his resolve for the future.
For him, the victory was more than a podium moment. It symbolised a breakthrough for Nigeria’s motorsport ambitions, a sector still growing and fighting for recognition.
A notable part of his journey was when top Nigerian auto promoter Kefiano brought him to Jos for a major drifting showcase, a moment that expanded his fan base and solidified his status in northern Nigeria’s motorsport scene.
In his message, he said turning 30 next year feels like a turning point, adding that the season has made him sharper, stronger and hungrier for greater heights.
His journey into professional drifting began in 2015, starting with street drifting before transitioning into formal competitive events by 2018.
Born on November 11, 1996, Jaybash grew up in Maiduguri, Borno State, before spending formative years in Lagos and Abuja, where his passion for cars intensified.
He often recalls building makeshift toy cars from tins and slippers as a child, dreaming of speed long before he touched a real steering wheel.
Over the years, he co-founded Drift Hunters, a platform that organises drift events in Abuja and other parts of the country, contributing to the sport’s visibility.
His rising influence has also attracted brand endorsements from companies such as Fanfaro Oil, Power Horse Energy Drink and YNM Security.
Despite his upward trajectory, Jaybash remains outspoken about the structural challenges hindering motorsport in Nigeria, particularly the lack of dedicated drift tracks.
He has repeatedly called on government authorities to invest in safer infrastructure, coaching programmes and regulatory systems to support the sport’s growth.
Jaybash has also lamented the dangers of drifting on public roads due to the absence of proper arenas, stressing that a sustainable future requires dedicated racing facilities.
Beyond competing, he is working on establishing a drift academy to mentor young drivers, instill discipline and promote safer driving habits.
His passion extends to youth empowerment, where he often urges young Nigerians to avoid social vices and embrace hard work as the foundation of long-term success.
Jaybash’s international record continues to grow, including a gold medal win at an auto show tournament in Lomé, Togo, adding to his growing list of achievements.
He maintains that drifting in Nigeria still struggles with social misconceptions, as many believe it is merely a risky pastime rather than a recognised sport.
This lack of understanding, he says, contributes to difficulties in securing sponsorships, technical support and mainstream recognition.
However, his recent triumphs across Africa are steadily shifting public perception and opening new doors for Nigerian motorsport enthusiasts.
As he steps into a new chapter of his life and career, Jaybash says his best work is still ahead of him, hinting at “magic on the track” that even he is not prepared for.
With his vision set firmly on the future, Jaybash stands as a symbol of resilience, growth and the relentless pursuit of excellence in Nigeria’s motorsport community.
