#MusicExchange: Just Jinjer's Brent Harris releases 'Superstition' remix

Just Jinjer lead singer Ard Matthews' vocals takes the song to a new high with his soulful style and uniquely identifiable voice.

“There are a few artists that I’ve always wanted to cover with Ard. Stevie Wonder and Nat King Cole were at the top of the list but we never really had the opportunity with Just Jinjer.

"Lockdown provided us with the opportunity to do things differently, so we took it and have really appreciated all the positive feedback the video got and are happy we could add some joy to people’s lives, even briefly,” says Harris.

The song really vibes as five legends came together for a “jam” and made magic with the undeniable influence of Bez Roberts, who also plays with Mafikizolo, and his famed red trombone, Mark Watson on keys, who has a star-studded history playing with numerous South African legends including Bongo Maffin, and long-time friend and Grammy Award-winning producer Verny Scholtz.

I caught up with Just Jinjer's Brent Harris last week.

Sum up 2020, so far, for you.

Tough one, terrible year for most (Covid-19) but we have to be optimistic right!

Fame is about?

For us, fame is about 3mins. One massive hit song that can change your world.

Retirement will happen when?

Not sure about this one, can't picture retiring even if money allowed.

I don't do?

Vegan.

What does music mean to you?

Music after family is everything to me. I’d be lost without it.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Seeing tears and smiles in the audience after a performance that hit a home run.

Any funny moments on stage?

Watching a fan stage dive into a parting mosh pit and hitting the mud hard. That was a goodie.

Your heroes?

Fiona Harris
Jeff Porcaro
Sting
John Bonham
Dave Grohl

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Fiona Harris, my wife, stuck with me through thick and thin against many odds and obstacles, many health issues I faced and she was my pillar of strength. Fiona was also an awesome mom through it all.

What is your most treasured possession?

Not sure, possessions aren't as important to me as before. I have a framed signed Gareth Bale Tottenham shirt which will be given to my son when he turns 13 next year. That’s pretty cool.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Coffee Freezo’s.

Dream gig to do?

Play before U2 - we did that in 1998, I think, in Cape town. A night I will never forget. Now…… Would kill to jam with Stevie Wonder or Paul Mcartney.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Hyperactive, loyal, hardworking, faithful, impatient.

Five favourite SA tracks of all time?

Weeping - Bright Blue
Breathing - Prime Circle
Treasure – Tree 63
What he Means – Just Jinjer
Rise above – Seether
Asimbonanga – Johnny Clegg

Greatest movie ever made and why?

“As good as it gets” with Jack Nicholson/Greg Kinnear. Writing was superb.
“Last of the Mohicans” with Daniel Day Lewis – music score by Dr Trevor Jones from Cape Town.

What song changed your life?

Too many to mention but one comes to mind: And I Love Her byPaul McCartney.

Who do you love?

I love many, especially my family and my Just Jinjer brothers Ard and Denholm.

What is your favourite word?

Importunate.

Favourite fashion garment?

Skinny jeans.

Give us some proper slang and what it means?

“Everything's Just Jinjer" was our slang for everything's cool, everything's just dandy.

Top of your bucket list?

To play drums or percussion with Toto. I did that in 1997 at Standard Bank Arena.

Your greatest achievement?

My family because they are everything and more, couldn’t ask for more.

What do you complain about most often?

Sleep.

What is your single biggest fear?

Being trapped under ground in a confined space.

Happiness is?

Biggest question out there, who knows the real answer. Doing what you love with the people you love.

On stage I tend to?

Over prepare, we don’t often rehearse but my mind doesn’t stop when leading up to a gig.

The best life lesson you’ve learned and do you still apply it today?

Don’t over play or over think in a studio setting, less is often way more.

What gets under your skin / upsets you and why?

Loyalty is very important to me in personal life and in business. Relationships are key.

Are you philanthropic? If so, which causes do you support and why?

Not so much, but I feel that doing charity work is very important, knowing you are helping people less fortunate with your talent. We do a few of those. Wingz of Change is one that comes to mind.

Where to from here?

Havent a clue, taking one day at a time for now.

Wishes and career ambitions yet to be realised?

To be continued...

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