#MusicExchange: Jitsvinger

21 May 2019

Cape Flats-born Jitsvinger is an established conceptual writer, composer, guitarist, educator, musician, poet and performing artist. After the success of his debut album, Skeletsleutel, he performed on stages and in festivals both locally and internationally. He has also composed and written music for theatre productions and film.

Jitsvinger is a social commentator on issues concerning heritage, culture and, especially, the Afrikaans language.

When are you happiest?

When I’m playing the guitar for my wife even though she’ll critique me, especially when she controls the playlist and asks me to play specific songs.

What does music mean to you?

A communication channel to worlds unknown.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Being approached by strangers motivating me to continue, hearing how my music accompanied so many through certain parts of their lives, meeting new cultures.

Are you famous?

People say I am. People cloak you with it (fame).

What do you think of influencers?

Modern-day commercial industry hustlers fishing the internet with hooks made of clickbait.

What drives you: ego or humility?

A bit of both. It usually starts with humility but then ego comes along and hands me the spit-shine kit ‘cause I hate sloppy technique.

Any funny moments on stage?

Performing while my belt buckle popped off. My jeans weren’t too big so it held safely throughout my performance. Of course, it was part of my act!

Which living person do you admire most and why?

I admire the spirit within us as we continue this journey through life and the guy who invented SA’s public transport system.

What is your most treasured possession?

Hard to choose between my collection of guitars and stash of vinyl.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Honey liquor.

Dream gig to do?

Performing alongside SA’s finest in entertainment inside a packed and fully improved and upgraded Athlone Stadium.

What makes you stand out?

I’m a 6ft tower with a kroesdraad afro antenna – that's my hair.

Nicknames?

I was dubbed Quinza during my Netherlands tours with Khayelitsha Mambazo Choir, my father still calls me Langman, to my mom and siblings I’m Quinnie or uncle Jits. My seniors call me Jitsie!

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Passionate, humble, talented, dreamer, scattered.

Five favourite SA albums of all time?

Age of Truth – Prophets of the City
Super Deluxe Mode – Moodphase 5ive
Tumi and the Volume Live
Pacific Express – On Time
Skeletsleutel – Jitsvinger