Mi Casa frontman, J’Something has spent the last 13 years celebrating Heritage Day on stage with South Africans through his music.
This year, he would like to celebrate with a good old-fashion braai.
The multi-award-winning musician chatted to Independent Media Lifestyle about what heritage means to him.
Tell us more about your heritage and what the day signifies to you?
Heritage, specifically for me, has included all the stories I have been told by those who came before me, those who taught me, and those who shared their stories that I then ended up consuming to form my understanding of the heritage that was.
Heritage is inherited therefore for me it is rooted in Portuguese and South African history, culture and stories ... but heritage is also something we all get to work on to then pass on to those that shall walk ahead of us.
I work on who I am, what I stand for and what I believe is an upgrade of what I have been told and then share it with those I influence.
How will you be celebrating Heritage Day?
The last 13 years have been spent on stage with our community and celebrating our stories, culture, heritage through music.
Music has so much power. If I get to spend it at home then no doubt we will be lighting the fire and enjoy a braai with some music that speaks to the day.
How does your heritage contribute to the music that you make?
In every aspect of it. My heritage is unlike any one else's, its my story and even though we might have some similarities, my journey is still my journey, and it is from that journey that I draw inspiration to create.
You feature on “Amaqhawe” Apple Music playlists, why did you add the songs you did?
Well, I thought instead of diving back into the past of the greats that have shaped a massive part of our heritage, why not select a playlist of some of the South African artists that I believe are shaping the future of South African heritage.
What is your favourite song to come out of this country?
It’s “Mamela” by Mi Casa. I know, I know ... my own song ... This song is so much more than a song. Those who attend our shows know how much this song means to me and what it resembles. It evokes all the emotions and I think that’s what makes it special.”
Which local artists best encapsulates SA’s heritage through their music?
Well, those who use their art to convey stories. For me the likes of Zoe Modiga, Manana, Ray Phiri, Mango Groove, Hugh Masekela and Khuli Chana.