#MusicExchange: Jude HarpStar

11 Jun 2019

Music critic Paul Boekkooi described Jude HarpStar as "arguably the most versatile and one of the most technically accomplished harp players in South Africa and musically one of the most inspiring harpists."

Her talent has taken her all over the world, performing at festivals such as The Young Euro Classic Festival in Germany; Carinthischer Sommer Festival – Kongresshaus Villach in Austria; The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival with Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter; Joy of Jazz and Macufe Festival with Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse; Sufi Music Festival with legendary Sibongile Khumalo; and Splashy Fen Music Festival and Fête de la Musique with her award-winning duo Lu Flur. She has also won two international awards for Best Acoustic Song and Best Pop/Adult/Contemporary EP in The Independent Music Awards with Lu Flur.

What does music mean to you?

Music is something so alien, yet so intrinsic to the universe. Music is sublime beauty in the form of organised soundwaves.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

The response I get from people who see me perform.

What drives you: ego or humility?

It’s a combination of both. I love this quote: “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” – CS Lewis.

Any funny moments on stage?

I was doing a laser harp performance for 6,000 people and I was making such drastic movements playing those lasers that my entire dress dropped down to my waist exposing me through all the midst.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

I admire Wikus Combrinck the most. He is the most selfless, curious, always hungry for new information, and kind-hearted person I know.

What is your most treasured possession?

My soul. Everything else is temporary.

It’s your round what are you drinking?

Chai Latté. Always. Alcohol? Whisky on the rocks.

Dream gig to do?

Any gig where you uplift people’s vibrations/mood is a dream gig. The more people in the crowd, the better. An epic setting would be amongst mountains and a great body of water.

What makes you stand out?

I’m the funkiest, most diverse harpist in Africa. I change my hair colour almost every month.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Empathetic, loving, jokester, dreamer, healer.

Favourite fashion garment?

All my vintage clothes from both my grandmas.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means?

Ek is nou regtig “kap%*s” na die show! – I am properly exhausted after the show!

Top of your bucket list?

Travelling and performing as a DJ and electro-harp duo all over the world.

Your greatest achievement?

Giving birth to my daughter naturally with zero drugs.

What do you complain about most often?

Being tired.

What is your fear?

Not being able to control time.

On stage, I tend to?

Let the music flow through me, instead of controlling what I play. Improvisation is king!

The best life lesson you have been taught?

"Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me."

Where would you like to be right now?

I would like to be on a different planet.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

Every day is an opportunity to do charity work, big or small. Sometimes I’ll donate money, sometimes I’ll donate my time and expertise for a cause and, sometimes, I just give someone on the side of the road food or a jacket. Wherever an opportunity arises.

Wishes and dreams?

My dream is to help create a better world for everyone through my music. My wish is that I will meet the right people along the way to guide me in the right direction to do this.