Therese Owen
Some artists are just full of issues and Jay Kay from Jamiroquai falls into that category. He is coming to South Africa as part of the Delicious Festival that takes place at Blue Hills Equestrian Estate in Kayalami on October 5 and 6.
The festival, presented by DStv, is a mixture of food and music. It poses the question: Is it a music festival for food lovers or a food festival for music lovers? There are pop-up restaurants with celebrity chefs Aldo Zilli, Ed Baines and John Burton Race.
On the list of musicians there is Lira, Danny K, Khuli Chana, Prime Circle and Mi Casa as well as Jamiroquai.
Jamiroquai have performed in South Africa before. However, even then, as is the case now, Jay Kay refused to give interviews.
This I believe is rather rude and unprofessional. If you are coming to our country at least have the decency to speak to our people.
However, the tenacious public relations people behind the event did manage to get the great one and his hats to reply to e-mailed questions. E-mailed interviews are a total cop-out and as a music journalist, I’ve never done one. How do you even know if it is really Christina Aguilera answering? It just might be her perky little PR poppie.
Against my better judgement I agreed to it just to see what would happen…
Q: Why don’t you do interviews with the media?
A: Is that a question? The chemistry will begin when I get there.
Q: Is this really you answering this e-mail and how can you prove it?
A: Wow. Well can you capture anyone in a few words?? Yes it’s all me and you know how I LOVE doing interviews. (Smiley face)
Q: You’re a great dancer. Can we expect those famous Jay Kay moves when you perform in South Africa?
A: I think I can still bust the odd move, yes. It’s a bit rougher on the old knees nowadays but I’ll give it my best. No choreography mind. I just do what I feel…
Q: How do you keep fit?
A: I have a gym at my house so I use that – occasionally – and I go for runs. I have a friend who comes and trains with me sometimes especially before I go on tour. You’ve got to maintain a fitness level for doing a two hour show every night.
Q: What’s your current favourite car?
A: Good question because it does change. I’m still loving the 1973 Porsche Carrera RS that I used in the video for White Knuckle Ride. And my ever precious Aston Martin DB5 for when I am having a Bond moment.
Q: Are you happy?
A: That changes too… but right now yes. I’m enjoying my life and my freedom. No record company setting deadlines is a good start.
Q: What can we expect from your show?
A: You’ll hear a good few hits but many of them with new arrangements and extended versions. I like to change things a bit to keep the songs fresh.
Q: Do you have any good memories of South Africa and if so can you share them with us?
A: I do have some good memories yes, but maybe not ones I can share with you!
So there you have it. Jay Kay on e-mail. Cheeky young man, innit?