Jennifer Jones’ voice has been a beacon in South African and international music for over 30 years. From opening the 1995 Rugby World Cup to earning a Grammy nomination for Mandela, Father of the Nation, her career is a testament to talent, resilience, and authenticity. In this exclusive feature for The Vocalist, Jennifer shares her inspirations, challenges, and the legacy she hopes to leave, offering a glimpse into the heart of a true artist.
Dreaming Big: A Collaboration with Freddie Mercury
When asked which historical figure she’d love to collaborate with, Jennifer chooses Freddie Mercury without hesitation. “He didn’t let his past define him,” she says, admiring his ability to rise above adversity with flair. “His fabulous spirit resonates with me.” A duet with Mercury would blend their bold, soulful styles, creating a track that’s both powerful and timeless. Jennifer’s own journey mirrors this resilience, having overcome personal struggles to shine as a performer.
A Stage in Time: New Orleans with Louis Armstrong
If transported to any point in history, Jennifer envisions herself in New Orleans, performing alongside Louis Armstrong. “I’d sing Fly Me to the Moon or What a Wonderful World,” she says, her love for jazz shining through. She predicts her music in 20 years would lean heavily into jazz, maintaining its soulful core. “My sound hasn’t changed much, but it would be richer, deeper, and jazz-oriented,” she muses, reflecting her lifelong passion for the genre’s emotional depth.
Defining Moments
Jennifer’s career is filled with unforgettable moments, but performing for Nelson Mandela stands out. “Singing for Madiba and receiving his hug was life-changing,” she recalls. “It inspired me to be brutally honest with myself and my values.” This encounter shaped her commitment to authenticity, a cornerstone of her artistry.
Her darkest challenge came during a brief struggle with substance abuse. “One Sunday, I looked in the mirror and asked, ‘Who have you become?’” she shares. That moment of fear led her to quit cold turkey, a decision that tested her endurance but strengthened her resolve. “It was a battle, but I won,” she says, her voice steady with pride.
The Artist’s Soul
Self-care is vital for Jennifer, who is meticulous about skincare and deeply spiritual. “I pray internally, sing gospel songs, and nurture my relationship with God,” she explains. Her gospel roots, laid early in her career, continue to guide her. “My faith has transformed me into the Jennifer Jones I am today,” she says, crediting it for her emotional resilience.
At her Vaal Dam home, Jennifer finds peace in simplicity. “I’m calm, cook meals that make the bees cry, play with my dogs, and tease my husband,” she laughs. Her husband jokingly calls her Liewe Heksie for her constant cleaning. Nature and animals are her sanctuary, with her home attracting woodpeckers, a blue heron named Oscar, and owls. “It’s good for my soul and brings me closer to God,” she says.
The Song That Changed Everything
The song Slow Down carries profound weight for Jennifer. Inspired by a young fan, Jonathan, who became like an adopted son, it was born from tragedy. “He was excited about his first girlfriend, but when he didn’t show up to talk, I later learned he had taken his own life,” she says, her voice heavy. “If I’d made time that day, he might still be here.” The song is a poignant reminder to cherish fleeting moments, a message that resonates deeply with her audience.
A Voice That Connects
Jennifer’s voice has grown warmer and deeper over time. “I don’t pamper it—when I sing, I sing,” she says with a grin. Her performances are raw and unfiltered, reflecting her belief that her gift is divine. She connects with audiences by leaving the stage to engage directly. “My husband, my sound engineer, says I’m a nightmare with monitors because I’m always among the crowd,” she admits.
Her fanbase, particularly from the LGBTQ+ and Cape Coloured communities, has been unwavering. “I’ve always supported gay rights, and they’ve embraced me,” she says. Her Afrikaans fans, discovered through Noot vir Noot and Huisgenoot Skouspel, also hold a special place. On social media, she engages personally, ensuring every interaction feels authentic.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Despite accolades like a Kora Award and a Sedibeng Mayor’s Award, Jennifer feels her music hasn’t fully impacted the global or local scene due to poor promotion by record labels. “I worked myself out of those contracts and now perform independently,” she says. Semi-retired, she takes corporate gigs selectively but is excited about future projects, hinting, “Watch this space!”
Her true legacy lies in mentoring young artists. “I warn them to work for themselves, not their management,” she says. Having guided talents like Idols winner Jason Hartman, she hopes to empower artists to demand fair treatment. “I want the industry to change so artists get what they deserve,” she insists.
Life Beyond Music
Offstage, Jennifer enjoys binge-watching YouTube videos on animals and medical topics, playing mobile games, and tending to her fire pit. Her family, including her adoptive mother, Marloe Scott Wilson, and supportive husband and father-in-law, are her backbone. “My father-in-law says he’ll never forgive me if I stop singing,” she laughs. Her guilty pleasure? Oleta Adams’ Climbing Every Mountain. She dreams of voicing children’s stories, delighting in making kids laugh with funny voices.
A Lasting Message
Jennifer’s music is a vessel for connection, carrying hope and authenticity. “When I sing, I give my heart and soul, as if it’s my last day,” she says. She hopes listeners find what they need in her music, whether comfort or inspiration. “If I touch one person, I’ve done my job,” she says. Planning to release a song every month or two independently, she remains true to her roots.
Her advice to artists? “Take risks, but not everything that glitters is gold.” With a career spanning presidents, continents, and profound growth, Jennifer Jones remains a beacon of artistry and integrity, her voice echoing far beyond the stage.
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