SAMA and Emmy award-winning composer, musical arranger and producer, JB Arthur has made music his life.We chatted to JB about his accomplishments, his role in the soon-to-be-released iStart2 Anthem and some tips on the process of writing a song. He believes in "melody ...melody ... melody"
"iStart2 sing a song of joy" - JB Arthur
A man with heart ... a man with an incredible talent ... and an absolute honour to have JB composing and producing the iStart2 song with artists like Yvonne ChakaChaka, Pops Mohamed, Karin Hougaard, Zubz and other greats on the South African music scene.
Working across all disciplines, harnessing the beauty and power of every imaginable musical genre - rock, pop, African, world music, orchestral, big band, inspirational, jazz, and gospel - JB has added soul to countless films, documentaries, commercials, live concerts and television shows.
Most notable achievements include producing all the music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup final draw and co-producing the music, together with long-time friend and collaborator Victor Masondo for the World Cup closing ceremony watched by over 2.5 billion people worldwide. JB also composed and produced the score for the Emmy award-winning "Eye of the Leopard", a National Geographic documentary. and the soundtrack for the film "Story of an African Farm" for which he won a SAMA Award.
Aside from his involvement in features, JB has created and composed the music for many of the country's most beloved and iconic commercials as well as imaging themes for local television stations.
His involvement in television shows is also notable. JB has been the Music Director for five successful seasons of Strictly Come Dancing on SABC and numerous pageants including Miss South Africa and Miss World.
JB's well-known studio, Joe's Garage, has produced projects for some of South Africa's leading musical talents including Watershed, Ringo, Freshly Ground, PJ Powers and Tony Cox, to name a few.
" Providing a sustainable source of clean water is our biggest challenge" - JB Arthur .
To listen to the show - and JB's Favourite song "Shower the people", just click play:
Thought for the day:
Tune in at 17h30 to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za. Show hosted by Pierre du Toit and the beautiful Keitu Gwangwa. The show is broadcast every Monday at 17h30 and repeated on Thursdays at 17h30 (SA Time).