Partying with Jack Parow.

It was exciting when we were invited to interview and attend one of Jack Parow’s shows at Tiger Tiger Pretoria. It was a night with a lot of energy, over-excited fans, good music and where many preconceived ideas about Parows music fell away. The line-up was tight, with Jack and featured DJs: Craig White and Dean Murray. We met up with Jack in VIP and got to know the Afrikaans rapper a bit more.

Where does this wild and ‘cooler as ekke’ personality come from?

I come from Belleville. I’m an Afrikaans kid from that side and being from that aria, where I grew up, it’s where my personality comes from and I just try and make cool music and hope people like it.

 What inspires your type of music?

People I meet, the places I go, the parties, everyday life, I try and keep my music as real as possible and as close to myself as possible, that’s my vibe.

 Who are some of the artists that you would like to collaborate with?

I always like to work with Afrikaans artists who inspired me growing up. Like on my new album I collaborate with some of my favourite artist David Cramer, a friend of mine from the States: Dirt Nasty, Francois van Coke, Vally swart,

What don't people know about jack?

Nothing, I’m so honest and open and I put everything into my music, so there isn’t anything.

 What do you call your dress style?

I don’t know... I keep away from trends, but it’s not Zeff.

 What kind of message do you want to send through your music?

Be yourself, do what you love. Don’t listen to negativity, don't change for other people, be different. Because at school I listened to rap and I did what I wanted to that’s why I am where I am.

A lot became clear as the interview and the evening progressed, Jack Parow has a diverse fan base who lined every part of the club to see him perform. The fans related to his honest and forthcoming manner as they sang along to every lyric. The night went off without a hitch even though the crowed went mad, and he was less than a meter away from them at all times, interacting with them during every song.

How has your music changed since the days of rapping only in English?

The big change was that it completely changed language. I still have a lot of English in my music, I use a lot of slang as well. I just write, and if it comes out in either language that’s ok but I my main aim is to further Afrikaans music. Like anything your skills develop, you never stop learning, always try to be better, with music you are constantly pushing myself better.

 Where in the world have you performed and where would you like to perform?

I played all over South Africa and I’ve played in Russia, Germany, Holland, Belgium, England and the States. For next year I want to play in Australia and New Zealand.

What do you do in your spare time?

Braai, because my life is to party, so at home I just chill, and play plantation.

 Where do some of your other talents lie?

I bought a book a few years ago and I’m learning how to be a handyman. Building and doing carpentry, it’s fun working with my hands. I also did Graphic design for a long time, and I also dabble in that often.

 What's new with Jack? What can we expect from you?

The DVD launched, Welcome to Parowdise. I finished writing and I’m busy recording new album, which is a double album, half acoustic and half electric. In this financially tough time I wanted to produce something that is worth people spending their money on. Also I am working with ‘Closely’, to produce a Jack Parow vinyl next year, because I am a huge vinyl collector, I'm happy to put-out my own one.

When is the new CD coming out?

Hopefully around the second week of October this year.

What can we expect from your DVD?

Basically the last four years of my life, mixed in with two big live shows. It’s a lot of crowed footage, interviews, behind the scenes, and footage from where I’ve played all over the world. It’s different and not a documentary. It shows where I am in my life and my journey,

What are your feelings about Jo'burg day?

Amped for it, it’s always fun to play on a massive stage, it’s cool.

The evening was rounded off with Jack allowing his fans to take photos, get autographs and to acquire some merchandise, memorabilia of a night they spent with their favourite artist. Hos JA!