Hanging with JR
2010-02-17 16:30
Jr Bogopa has one of the biggest hits on the airwaves at the moment.
Despite the levity of the lyrics on his hit single Show Dem, from his latest album ColourFULL, the young Pretoria-born muso has some seriously big plans for his future.
MOKGADI SEABI caught up with the man of the moment for a couple of rounds of pool to find out how he plans to make his music career “beeger”.
On Show Dem’s success ... “That track is doing amazingly well, better than I even expected. I’m hoping this will rub off on the whole album. The best part is that it was effortless for myself and Jabba to record that track. Even the idea of the song came by mistake – all because I landed at a gig on the wrong day.”
His new-age mohawk ... “My dad used to have the same hairstyle and since I was tired of doing the same brush cut all the time, I changed to a mohawk which later turned into this fishtail. I’m actually proud of it. I love the 80s and this is my way of bringing them back. I know my dad is jealous because he wants to do it again.”
His family’s views on his chosen career ... “My family loves my music and I also try to make music that my mother can listen to and enjoy. One of my aunts is a nun and she bought 46 copies of my first album. My grandmother also likes playing my music.”
Brand extension ... “I’m launching a shoe line called ColourFULL sneakers in partnership with Loxion Kulca. I plan to be part of the whole manufacturing process, right up until the sneaker is on the shelves in stores.
"I don’t believe in doing things in half-measures. That’s why I was involved in its design and the marketing strategy planning. It’s also a way for me to learn the business. I don’t have a personal assistant who is going to organise my life so I’d rather be hands on with everything that goes on in my career.”
Business ambitions ... “My partner and I have a youth activation and creative marketing company called KasLam which has been running for about 10 months now. It’s doing amazingly well and we have worked with some major brands.
"The KasLam T-shirts are just a catalyst that helped put the company brand out there. Now it feels great to see people wearing the T-shirts because they’re obviously proud of their ’hoods.”
On being a businessman at 23 ... “It’s difficult being in business at a young age because the minute you walk into a boardroom, people underestimate you because of age. But I believe in my abilities and as young as I am, I know what is relevant to the youth because I’m part of that market.
"At the end of the day, that is what counts the most. The only way to break that stereotype is to show people your capabilities without doubting yourself.”
From hip-hop to house ... “I’m currently working on a house album with a DJ called Thulani the Warrior. I’m a musician before a hip-hop artist and music is music in any form.
"I wanted to do the album myself but the company I’m licensed to, Electromode, has never done a house album like this and I’m glad they’re giving me a chance to expand my repertoire by letting me do the track selection. I can’t wait for it to be done. It is due for release at the end of February or the beginning of March.”
On relationships ... “I’m currently single but I believe that a relationship is a beautiful thing to have. It’s just a pity that it’s so difficult for us guys in the music industry to find love.”
On wealth and success ... “I know people think that wealth and success are everything but honestly, as nice as they both are to have, I would much rather have my faith.
"Things of material value are worthless if you don’t have faith because once they are taken away from you, what will you be left with?”
- JR’s album, ColourFULL, is out in stores now
- City Press