Jonathan Butler Says “I Am Not Yet A Legend”

Jonathan Butler says “I Am Not Yet A Legend” – Jonathan Butler is alive and kicking and he is as humble as ever. He has stated it concerns him when someone addresses him as a legend; when he apprehends what others are addressing his as, calling him a Legend and he differs, he is not yet done.

He states he has not yet finished with his course in this world; not yet completed the tasks at hand or reached the pinnacle he would like to reach. He is yet to reach that status of a legend. He has requested those that wish to know him better to visit his street in Athlone.

He is rooted in his background; He comes from a family of 13th children and he is the youngest. The reason behind his establishment to music is that he played music to feed his family, that was his initial motivation then he grew from there. 
He currently resides in Los Angeles, he is determined that South Africa has a perceptible identification of homebred Jazz and we need to be pleased. He may live in Los Angeles but he stays consistent with the jazz music scene in South Africa.

“Jazz here was always progressive and I like that it is absolutely pure jazz – stuff like Allen Kwela, Bheki Mseleku, Letta Mbulu.”
He has emphasized we need to continue to be different and own our Jazz music industry. 

Jazz to him,  he has always had a healthy conversation, and we have had such incredible influences. “I have learnt to be comfortable on the podium in the US playing as a South African. The older I get, I’m kind of like so liberated. I’m happy to be myself.”  

When he was questioned what motivates him in this life? He states that music descends from a lofty place. He can feel it before he can observe music. He is a firm believer in cultivating the soul of your internal self. He also mentioned what is crucial is to hone your own skills and stay true to your own identity. 

This is what he had to say “ What I can say to young musicians, with all the updated recent technology – don’t reside in a vacuum, You can sit in a room all day long and make music, but you need to take your music and play and meet other musicians … And if they scouting for longevity write your own songs.”

Written by: Aphiwe Theodorah Mvinjelwa