‘I‘ll never retire’ — JR’s Feel Good Live Sessions return
JR’s acclaimed Feel Good Live Sessions have made a return.
The series showcases the raw, emotional essence of South African music, capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide through intimate and unplugged musical sessions in collaboration with Stella Artois.
Speaking to TshisaLIVE, JR, whose real name is Thabo Bogopa, emphasised the importance of authenticity in the series.
“The reason why it takes so long to make the content is that it needs to be authentic. Feel Good Live Sessions is a platform that’s created by musicians for musicians and is received by the audience. Musicians want to come and perform here. We never have to beg them,” he said.
The series is captured on the outskirts of Johannesburg in Krugersdorp, which show the backdrop of mountains and the sunset.
“Everything around a lot of people is surrounded by metropolitan areas. It’s all consumed by the hustle and bustle and people want a sense of escapism. We are in Africa, the most beautiful continent in the world. We’re in South Africa, the most amazing nation in the world, so when you look at our mountain peaks and valleys, people in the world would pay good money to come here any time, which we sometimes take for granted. We’re showcasing the beauty of Africa.”
The series has become a staple of South African music, offering unforgettable performances and showcasing local talent.
It is one of many projects JR has up his sleeves. From hosting a 10-day music festival called Paradise Beach Club annually in December in Durban to writing music for artists and running a consultancy firm, JR doesn’t have all his eggs in one basket, which is an element he said other artists should adopt to maintain longevity in the industry.
“I’m involved in different spaces at different times, which makes me never get bored in the industry. I like using my brain and writing music. My journey has been beautiful because it has been an experience. Even in the bad moments, I learn from them. I engage with people in different sectors all the time. I spend time with my kids.”
Though he hasn’t released an album in seven years, he emphasised music is not something one retires from.
“I’ll never retire and that’s why I haven’t released an album in seven years, since my son was born. Music is not something you retire from. Music is something you do and come back [to]. I never get bored with the music industry because I’ve played different roles within the creative industry, which are all in music spaces.
“I want to make music because I want to, not because I have to — and that’s where the best music comes out.”
