Just Jinjer rocks the Barnyard

I hadn't seen the band since 1997 and agreed to go the concert rather begrudgingly. The songs from Just Jinjer's first album had become a musical association to my matric year as a whole and had been instrumental to my discovery and passion for local music.

Disappointed by departure

I was disappointed with their departure from the SA music scene years ago, and saddened by the entire industry as more and more of our quality local bands flew across the sea to establish themselves in greener pastures. Or so I thought.

For a while the local music scene suffered - there was a lack of good-quality sound, excitement, and a sense of togetherness and patriotism. The "rave scene" took over - and I took to watching movies on Friday and Saturday nights.
So when I was invited to watch Just Jinjer performing, I agreed to go, but with mixed feelings. I was eager for a bit of nostalgia (as my 30th birthday was fast approaching), but was afraid of being disappointed. What if the band looks different, sounds different, acts different? Eventually, I forced myself to have an open mind and and simply not expect anything in particular. And so I went.

I was 17 again

People of all ages had gathered to watch the band. Seated at wooden tables in a rather intimate setting, the crowd waited eagerly for the music to begin. As soon as Ard Matthews, Brent Harris, and Denholm Harding appeared on stage, suddenly, I was 17 again.

To say I wasn't disappointed is an understatement - I was blown away. As the band played, I had to keep reminding myself to breathe. They played all the old favourites and introduced new tunes - all of which maintained their unique sound and essence. They had changed, yes, but all in good ways. The sound quality was excellent, the synchronicity amazing and the crowd interaction from all band members was truly magnificent.

When Ard thanked the crowd for their ongoing support and explained how their decision to leave SA was made to spread awareness of local talent overseas, I felt like the betrayer. In my disappointment, I had failed to see it that way. I had been too quick to blame and too ready to write them off. My realisation of what Just Jinjer had meant for SA music, even while not physically on our shores, brought tears to my eyes. They deserve recognition, admiration and unquestionable support.

An emotional evening

It was an emotional evening for me, and one that I will not soon forget. I bought two CDs and a T-shirt after the gig was over, and thanked the band members for their great performance. It was like cherry a top watching them interact with their fans, as humble and genuine as ever. Welcome home, guys!

For more information, go to http://justjinjer.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justjinjer
Twitter: http://twitter.com/justjinjer

Photo by Craig Reid