3 minute read
A Soul Healer
STEPPING INTO HER MUSIC
By Basetsana Makhalemele
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Poet extraordinaire JahRose, real name Nthabiseng Jafta, is a soul-builder. Over the years, the anthologist, publisher and curator from Phelindaba in Bloemfontein has worked intensely on her artistic projects speaking to those seeking to hear the voice of truth. She opens a door to her orchestrated life and her world of transitioning.
"To be honest I have come to realize that we fall in the path of those who went before us as per our lineages - whether we know it or not. As time passes the veil of self-forgetfulness unveils and it all makes sense why and when things happen the way they do, " she says.
Suddenly "an introvert’s voice is on the page, that’s how it all started. I just wanted to be heard; more like read, ” says the artprenuer who recently graduated from Academy for Women Entrepreneurs sponsored by the U.S Embassy and University of the Free State.
She completed a management and leadership development course and is currently studying towards a Masters in Creative Writing with Rhodes University.
A power move for self-empowerment.
Milestones
Anyone who has had a glimpse of this shining star over the past few years has seen that JahRose has done tremendous work to build her name and is still doing so.
Her work has exposed her internationally, and left a mark in countries, such as China-Beijing, Kunshan and Malawi ‘Mangochi’ just to name a few.
Having been in the industry for almost two decades has given her street cred and insight into the workings of an often unrewarding industry.
Street cred aside the years have also give JahRose an opportunity to work with various other creative including AlahYen, Kaya, Dj Lemmy, Flame Unit music, John Paka, Nonkosi Sokoyi ‘Miss Noxy ’ Hector Kunene, Dumelang ‘Bondo’ Tsepo and On Point Music Band and many others and open for more. Her advice to writers: “do not get into the business of waiting but that of writing” .
She believes that the only resource a writer needs is a pen and paper. Unlike inspiration – an abstract notion many often seek before starting to work – pen and paper are readily available, she says. "So write.
After 17 years the question is what has sustained her in this tough industry?
"Humility. God sustains the humble and renews the strength of the weary, " for it is a rough field and you need to hold by the strings of faith and self-belief, for there are seasons when you are literally sinking from life’s blows and knocks, says the anthologist.
HShe insists that taking care of the business side of giving people art is vital.
"After writing, understand the business of writing for you will have a product to help you navigate your way, " she says.
Now to the big transition
She started writing songs before writing poems, but trusted the spoken voice than her singing voice.
"The critic in me is rising, so yeah I am investing in my music now, " says JahRose.
After years of doing poetry, she is expanding her artistic world of selfexpression. She is transitioning into the music industry and diversifying her portfolio. "Music needs confidence, I needed to gather tons of it before releasing my poems in song.
"I write poems and put melodies with a live band and now work with DJs and producers, " she says. She recently released a single in Jamaica and it is now available on YouTube. With this release she hopes followers and supporters see a different side of her.
“My hope for venturing into music is to give me space to unwind and have fun. When I win in this quest, that’s exactly what my music consumers will hopefully get as well. Healing, ” she says.
On the business side of poetry/ performing art, Jahrose says there is a handful paying festivals in this country, but there’s more in the continent and far more across the globe. You have to decide for yourself where you want to be positioned.
