Known for his smooth blend of singer-songwriter stylings and alt-indie-country influences, South African artist Jody Mayhew has resonated with audiences both at home and internationally. His latest single, "Nog ’n Kans" (meaning "Another Chance") continues his exploration of music in the Afrikaans language, one of South Africa's 11 official languages that originated from Dutch.
With this track, Jody offers listeners the rich, emotive storytelling characteristic of his work, allowing them to experience its depth and resonance. In this interview with The Sound Cafe, we delve deeper into Jody's journey, examining how his personal experiences, cultural roots, and evolving sound transcend borders and touch hearts worldwide.
Q: "Nog 'n Kans" is your latest single, and it's in Afrikaans. It means "Another Chance." For international listeners who may not understand the language, how would you describe the emotional core of the song?
Jody Mayhew: This song is about giving life another chance, not letting words or situations affect your decision to keep living. You are enough.
Q: South Africa is known for its rich cultural diversity and musical heritage. How do you see your own music fitting into this vibrant landscape?
Jody Mayhew: I believe every musician writing songs puts part of their heart into the music. Each song becomes part of a ripple effect - some big, others small - but each one reaches someone. I hope my music will do the same and touch the people it needs to.
Q: With your work receiving international recognition, how do you believe your music resonates with audiences beyond your home country?
Jody Mayhew: I believe my music has something to say, and if you're willing to listen, it will speak to you. In my experience, international audiences have resonated with my music a lot. I’ve performed for people from different parts of the world, and they’ve enjoyed my music more than most.
Q: The international music scene often focuses heavily on mainstream genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop. How do you ensure your unique blend of singer-songwriter, country, and Afrikaans music stands out on global platforms?
Jody Mayhew: There’s no guarantee that your music will be heard, especially with the dominance of mainstream genres, but using all the resources and opportunities available is one way to try.
Q: You’ve opened for some of South Africa's biggest artists like Arno Carstens and Francois van Coke. What have you learned from these experiences that have influenced your approach to music and performing abroad?
Jody Mayhew: I’ve learned to always be true to who you are. These acts are so unique that no one can sound like them or perform their songs the way they do. People still support them because of their authenticity, and that gave me hope and motivation to stay true to myself.
Q: "Nog 'n Kans" deals with heavy emotions like hope and redemption. Do you feel these themes resonate differently with audiences outside South Africa compared to local listeners?
Jody Mayhew: Not really. Everyone deals with rejection and a lack of self-worth. I believe people suppress these feelings until they can't anymore, and then it's hard to control or reflect. It might seem like one situation causes the breakdown, but often it's hundreds of emotions that are released all at once.
Q: What do you find are the biggest challenges for South African artists trying to break into international markets, and how have you navigated these challenges?
Jody Mayhew: The channels between South Africa and international markets are usually reserved for signed artists with labels managing their communication. As an independent artist, we rely on being noticed through social media or through great interviews like this one.
Q: With your background in both English and Afrikaans music, what role do you think language plays in connecting with global audiences?
Jody Mayhew: I think music can be felt even when the language isn’t understood. I’ve listened to music in languages I don’t understand, but I feel the atmosphere, and that makes me want to find out what the lyrics mean. Language might be a barrier, but it’s not an unsolvable problem.
Q: Can we expect future projects from you to feature more multilingual elements, or will you continue balancing Afrikaans and English?
Jody Mayhew: I feel more comfortable writing in English, but Afrikaans is where I like to challenge myself. I'm always open to new opportunities and exploring different languages.
Q: As someone who has been performing since 2014, what advice would you give to younger artists in South Africa or other parts of the world trying to make a name for themselves?
Jody Mayhew: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, "This is the genre I write." It will limit your full potential. Be open-minded and stay true to yourself.
Q: Fun question! If you could take your music anywhere in the world, where would you love to perform next, and why?
Jody Mayhew: I’d love to perform in Switzerland. Some people from Switzerland booked me for a show in South Africa, and I believe my music would resonate really well there.
As Jody Mayhew embarks on the next chapter of his musical journey with "Nog 'n Kans", it’s clear that his message of hope and resilience resonates on a deep level. His unique fusion of singer-songwriter, country, and Afrikaans influences sets him apart, allowing him to connect with a wide audience. We can’t wait to see where this talented artist goes next.
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More About ‘Nog ‘n Kans’
The new single by South African Singer-Songwriter Jody Mayhew titled Nog 'n Kans (Another Chance) carries a powerful message of hope and support for those who may be going through tough times. The inspiration for the song came from a deeply moving story about a young person who faced significant challenges. It underscores the importance of offering encouragement and compassion to those who might feel overwhelmed. Jody created this song with the hope of reaching out to anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone and that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.
Jody Mayhew shares that "The song was born from a place of care and sadness. I feel that people don’t hear the words enough: that life without you will be empty. Many times, when we are in a place where we feel we’re not making it, we measure ourselves against the standards out there that are simply unattainable. Many people reach a point where they no longer want to be here, and this song is for them. I read an article about a 15-year-old boy who took his own life, and I decided to write the song. Little did I know that the song would go on to save someone else’s life and give it meaning. We are here to leave footprints in each other’s lives, and this is how I want mine to look."
If you're wondering where the name Jody Mayhew comes from, you'll find him performing on many stages across South Africa, from restaurants to events, and you might have heard some of his songs on the radio. Jody was born in Pietermaritzburg and grew up in Brits, where he taught himself to play guitar at the age of 15 and first appeared on stage at 18 in a school revue.
Jody boasts eight songs that have already been released on various platforms, with one of his tracks 'Travel the World' reaching the top 3 in an international competition. His first Afrikaans song 'Altyd Somer Saam Met Jou' was released and played on 30 radio stations. Jody has been performing since 2014 and has a unique style where he takes well-known music and makes it his own. His original songs are beautifully woven into his performances, with a hint of Singer-Songwriter Country feel, alongside his Afrikaans songs that resonate with everyone. Jody has opened for various South African artists, including Arno Carstens, Roan Ash, Francois van Coke, Juan Boucher, and Dozi. Jody comments that "Seeing each artist’s passion and love for music and the industry is inspiring and creates a sense of gratitude in me for all their work that has paved the way for me to walk today."
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