By Prashirwin Naidu
From chart-topping hits and culinary fame to brand partnerships and deeply personal projects, J’Something has long been one of South Africa’s most multifaceted creatives. But beyond the accolades and spotlights lies a man who is constantly evolving — spiritually, emotionally, and purposefully. In this intimate conversation, he opens up about his journey toward self-love, the meaning of staying grounded, and why he believes his most significant relationship is the one he has with himself.
You mentioned once that your relationship with yourself is the most important one. How did you arrive at that mindset?
It came from being in the industry for so long and always wondering, “Do people like this song?” “Are they enjoying the show?”. Eventually, I just stopped trying to be everything to everyone. I started focusing on myself. I realised if I can love myself genuinely and create from that place, then those who connect – great, and if they don’t, that’s okay too! I’ve become my own greatest cheerleader. That mindset took years to develop, but it’s been the most freeing and fulfilling thing.
A lot of people struggle with giving themselves the love they often seek externally. How have you perfected this in your life?
We spend so much of our lives chasing love and approval from others. And while that’s natural and needed, we’re relational beings, and I believe our most significant source of love should be ourselves. That doesn’t mean arrogance. It just means rooting yourself in self-worth. Even when I make music, I start by asking, “Do I love this?” Because if I don’t, I can’t expect anyone else to.
How do you define staying grounded and maintain it amidst everything?
To me, being grounded is about not letting the noise, whether it’s praise or criticism, shake your sense of self. It’s about remembering that you are not above or below anyone. I lean a lot on the principle of ubuntu — I am because you are. I’m nothing without the people who support what I do. If nobody streamed the music or bought a concert ticket, I’d be a guy singing in the shower. And then on a personal level, I practice the art of no comparison as much as I can. I stay rooted in my lane, my journey. That’s how I stay grounded — by constantly returning to myself and the people around me who water me.
Has faith always played that anchoring role for you?
Yes, but maybe not in the way people typically define faith. For me, God is within. I see heaven as something we create on Earth, through our thoughts, our way of life, and our relationships with ourselves and others. My spirituality is deeply tied to my mental state. The more inner work I do, the more peace I experience, and the more I can give externally.
Was that inner clarity always there for you, or did it come later in life?
Not always. In my early twenties, I had no idea what I was doing with my time. I was hopeful, but I was figuring it out as I went. But what kept me going was curiosity. That’s always been my greatest driver. I’ve just been insanely curious about what I’m capable of. Can I build this? Can I pull that off? And even when it doesn’t work, I always feel like I’ve gained something from the journey. These days, I’m very clear on who I want to be, how I want to spend my time, and what kind of legacy I want to leave behind.
Was there someone in your life who saw that potential in you — someone who told you, “You can do this”?
There’ve been many people — my mom, my wife, my brother, close friends. I’ve had fantastic support around me. But ultimately, I’ve always relied on myself. That might sound a bit heavy, but I say it with love. I’ve always used my mind, my curiosity, as the engine that drives me. I often ask myself: What can I do with this life? How far can I go? And that wonder, that hunger keeps me moving.
You’ve spoken a lot about your love for the Toyota Prado. How did that partnership come about?
The Prado found me. I think that’s the best way to describe it. It came at a time when I was craving comfort, craving peace, craving stillness. I was in the market for something that not only reflected where I was in life, but also something that would become a companion on the journey ahead. The Prado just made sense — in style, in presence, in capability. It’s a vehicle that feels like home on wheels.
Do you feel like your evolution as a person mirrors the journey from, say, the Toyota Tazz you first owned, to now?
Absolutely. That Tazz represents an era in my life where everything was raw — no glamour, just passion and hustle. I was couch-hopping, doing gigs for the love of it, trusting that something would come of it all. That time grounded me. And the Prado today? It’s a symbol of growth —not just in material terms, but in emotional maturity, in alignment, in inner peace.
It’s been incredibly inspiring hearing you speak so openly. Any final thoughts?
Life is not linear. It’s not always pretty. But if you learn from it — if you choose to flow with it instead of fighting it — you can turn even the chaos into peace. I’m just here to live, to create, to connect, and hopefully leave the world a little better than I found it.
