T HE L AST WO RD
We hit the right note with singersongwriter and frontman of Just Jinjer, Ard Matthews › What are the top destinations on your ‘bucket list’ of places to which you’d like to travel?
› If you were stuck on a desert island, would you know how to make a fire and catch dinner?
seeing the effect it has on people when I play it live.
I still need to go to Bali or the Mentawai Islands. That’s a big one for me. Also, I haven’t done Italy or Spain yet—guess I have lots to look forward to.
Not really, but I’m sure my instinct would kick in and I’d make a plan, just like those before me did when they were in that situation. May have to catch up on some Bear Grylls episodes.
› You are in the process of producing your new solo album. Tell us a bit about that. And what other exciting ventures do Ard Matthews and Just Jinjer have on the cards?
› Which favourite places have you already ticked off? Thailand was amazing. I really enjoyed São Paulo, Brazil, and have been fortunate enough to see most of the States. I’ve also done most of Europe, Australia and the UK.
› What is the weirdest food or drink you have ever tried? In LA, my Mexican friend Art (short for “Arturo”!) offered me his family’s traditional dish, which is basically cow intestine. Not the greatest. I could hardly have thirds…
› Are you an adrenaline junkie? I’m a functional kitesurfer at best (laughs). I really enjoy the wind, as it syncs nicely with my sailing passion (I have a yachtmaster’s/ skipper’s licence). I’ve also been fortunate enough to have done plenty of shark dives in Mozambique and Aliwal Shoal, Durban.
› Are you a bush baby or a city slicker? Beach bum through and through.
› Braai or sushi? Tough one, but braai.
› What is the most memorable experience you have had with wildlife? I think swimming alongside a whale shark in Mozambique, and being surrounded by hundreds of dolphins in one of the biggest pods I’ve ever seen, let alone been in. Truly special.
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The Intrepid Explorer issue 14
› What is your tried-and-tested signature dish you serve your friends? It’s quite embarrassing, because it’s everyone’s signature dish… But my spag bol has been known to bring a tear to a glass eye! (Probably too spicy.)
› If it were up to you, what should be done to the people running the rhino horn trade? I’m such a peace-loving person, but my blood really boils on this topic. I don’t think the death penalty for poachers would be comforting enough for me. I would like to see some tooth-for-tooth action being carried out—or horn for horn in this case.
› Camping or luxury lodge? It depends on the nature of the outing, but I’m not opposed to a bit of glamping.
› Pet hates in people? I don’t have too many, only because I have as many idiosyncrasies as most humans. I’m ashamed about the fact that it’s literally human nature how we love to see people fall or falter in order to feel better about ourselves. It all stems from massive insecurities with which we all battle daily, but it would be a nicer world if everyone could just be a little bit more lekker in that respect.
› Is there a particular song that stands out above the rest? For me, “What He Means” still stands out as a defining work, and it never gets old
The solo album has been in the works for quite some time, but is finally drawing to a close. It has become a mixed bag, ranging from piano ballads to house-inspired tracks. The new Just Jinjer album, Everything Since Then, is probably some of our finest work ever and is slowly starting to make its way onto radio—though it’s been slightly tougher for us these days, considering the sheer volume of music being thrown at radio. We’re confident our songs will prevail, and we continue to do what we believe in because it’s all heart-driven—the rest is up to fate. (Check our social pages @ardmatthews and @justjinjer for info.)
› Who was your inspiration growing up? Just combined musical greats such as The Beatles, Elvis, Led Zeppelin and Stevie Wonder. Today, I’m really inspired by Elon Musk. Don’t know the guy, so not sure how he is as a person, but I like what he’s doing to change the world for the better. My dream car is definitely a Tesla Model X.
› Do you still get a thrill out of touring and doing live concerts? It’s such a massive honour for me every time I’m allowed the privilege of walking onto a stage. I can proudly say I’ve never worked a day in my life. Recently, after a particularly bad round of golf, my friend decided to bust out the usual ol’ line: “A bad day of golf is better than a good day at the office.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him I disagree. You should see my ‘office’…
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