J-Arrow Puts Golden Back Into RnB

Tell us about your musical journey

My name is J-Arrow. A focused, friendly, extroverted guy, born in Durban growing up from humble beginnings and not really having all that I wanted but most definitely having what I needed to be the person I am today and the great person I’m still to be. I have been winning local talent shows since I was a kid, taking part in musicals during my high school years and I’ve been part of the leading choir association in my province; the KZN Youth Choir. I’ve also had the privileged to be mentored by top rap artist in the country AKA. I entered one of the biggest competitions of my life where the artist was looking for the boldest upcoming acts in the province and I happened to be chosen. This was a great milestone that taught me a lot about the industry I’m inclined to enter into by taking my experience to a whole other level where I witnessed my first international show where Kid Cudi was present! I’ve been living a dynamic life but music has always remained a constant through it all. I remember being gifted my first guitar. It was what I had always wanted. I even designated a spot for it in the house just to make it feel part of the family. I couldn’t afford lessons so I had to resort to teaching myself with assistance from family members who could play it. I just loved how portable it was in my ever changing environments, think that’s what kept the flame going really if anything. I have performed on TV, played on majority of South African radio stations and abroad in Africa and the U.S. I have worked/collaborated/performed alongside acts such AKA, Khuli Chana, Breeze, Nasty C, Fonzo, X Da Green Panther, Sibu, Josslyn Hlenti, Stevel Marc etc and I’m not only just a singer but a producer, songwriter, dancer and performing artist. In addition to all of that I have attained complimentary honours in Drama and Music and have had chart topping singles such as ‘Owe It To You’ which was voted one of the best songs in the country alongside powerful acts such as Micasa. I see myself heading for greatness God willing, I’d like to show SA what I am about, show them a different more appealing side to RnB to what is already there and represent my country overseas. I would love to compete with International acts, I believe I have what it takes.

What is your greatest strength?

I think it would be love. It can be a cold world out here and without love for yourself, believing you can be something better than what you are and love for what you do. In my case being a musician, making songs that are not only “Hit-Orientated” but really speaking to the listener, which makes my world go round. Love is a powerful thing, without it we’re lost and it can be the distinction between a winner and a loser in whatever you endeavor.

Your thoughts on competition?

I fear none!

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about a lot of things, primarily music but art as an overall. The ability to resonate experiences, emotions through various methods may it be music, dance, poetry, art, media etc. I’m open minded to anything along those lines. I also love knowing how things work. Knowledge is power so I have a serious business side to me as well. Business jargon with well fitted tuxes and the works [LOL] I can only imagine. I’m more behind the scenes though, cash flow makes the music flow.

How do you view yourself? Who do you compare yourself to?

I’m a winner. The crème de la crème and it’s more of it being a state of mind as opposed to it being tangible achievements. Not to say I don’t have any, because I do (just in-case there are any haters in the building) [LOL], but if I view my myself as a winner, that’s what I’ll manifest and utilise that to hopefully inspire souls who think anything less of themselves as stars that deserve to shine and be recognized as well, hence my LP title: “Golden”. I compare myself to myself really but I have been compared to Chris Brown and Usher.

What has been the greatest disappointment in your life so far and how are you dealing with it.

The loss of a close family member of mine who was always there for me especially in my tumultuous times of matric. They were one of the reasons I worked so hard to pass and make them proud only to find out that on the day I received my results that I passed, they had passed away. So I continue to work hard believing I’m making her proud and am reminded of her when others continue to support me to carry on. I’m most grateful to all my supporters.

Why RnB?

I couldn’t envision myself being the guy talking about money I don’t have, cars I can’t afford and rap about sipping bottles that cost a fortune but at the end of the day roll in a taxi sitting next to a passenger eating mealies, pestering the taxi driver for their R1 change. I wanted and still want to be real, talk about things I feel and experience and hopefully that the listener can relate to and RnB did that for me. It speaks to the heart and that’s what I want to do.

Your favourite SA hip hop song?

Has to be AKA – All Eyes On Me

What are your views regarding the RnB/soul genre in SA and breaking into it? What have your challenges been so far? How did you overcome them or how are you planning on overcoming them?

I don’t feel the RnB genre is as strong as it needs to be in South Africa to be honest. We may ask anyone on the street of their favourite RnB artist in South Africa and probably the number wouldn’t go over the number of their fingers. Not to say breaking in was or is easy. As few as we may be, it’s safe to say that media giants such as radio DJs etc. would rather stick to who they know as opposed to allowing new talent to flourish when comparing it to other genres such as Hip Hop which is competitive and presents many platforms to bring more fans in. I think I’ve overcome or am still overcoming the challenges by being the deviation from the norm when it comes to RnB. One radio DJ even took it to the extent to say my music was the bridge between Black and White. Basically by being unpredictable but still true to my artistry, I’ve distinguished myself from the other acts.

How would you describe yourself?

Fun. Focused. Unique.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 how weird you are.

Well the definition of “Weird” from the Urban Dictionary is I quote “ Strange, Something supernatural, unearthly” [Clears throat] with that being said my only question is why isn’t the scale from 1-100? Because I’d probably be somewhere around 200. I’m out of this world ;-)

Your favourite RnB singer in SA?

Has to be new comer Vusi Nova. I like the fact that he can actually sing. His rendition of ‘’I’d Rather Go Blind” kind of stepped things up. Shout out to him.

If you were a new colour in a box of crayons, what colour would you be and why?

Gold. Because I’m Golden. Golden out in stores in April, I hope you’ll buy it!

Follow J Arrow on @J_Arrow7

Find J-Arrow's single "Ready For Love" on our BNR TIGHT 10 music list