How I Finally Got Sober
Drum English|28 December 2017

Gospel singer JRoss, who’s struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for years, tells us how he turned his life around.

Qhama Dayile
How I Finally Got Sober

HE’S elegant in a tailored suit and crisp white shirt, the picture of health and prosperity. His handshake is firm, his greeting is warm and he thanks God for another lovely day.

All in all, this guy is so wholesome and clean it’s difficult to imagine him having anything dark and damaged in his past – let alone a drug and alcohol problem that lasted for years and saw him burning through thousands of rands.

Gospel singer Jamela Vuma, who now goes by the name JRoss, is not ashamed of talking about his past. In a real heartto-heart, he tells DRUM how kicking his demons was neither quick nor easy and involved plenty of changes – including cutting ties with his “bad” friends and eventually giving up kwaito music.

He also talks about his musical career – including his time as the masked character Sgonondo – and how the love of his fiancée and family helped him on a spiritual journey that changed his life.

JAMELA (35) grew up surrounded by music.

His father, Tom Vuma, was a producer for veterans such as Ray Phiri, Blondie Makhene and Steve Kekana, so Jamela’s exposure to a muso’s life began at a young age.

He started taking piano lessons at age six and by nine he was the lead singer in a church choir in Umlazi, Durban. When he was a teenager, his mom arranged for him to be mentored by renowned producer Sello “Chicco” Twala. And by the time he was 16 he was working with Somizi Mhlongo on a project called Children of the Rainbow, playing the piano and singing lead vocals.

At 18 he was signed to Universal Music SA and produced his first album for ’90s kwaito group Cream, followed by an album for Bongo Maffin’s Speedy.

A year later he was producing songs for the likes of Lebo Mathosa, Jub Jub and Loyiso “Chippa” Mangena.

この記事は Drum English の 28 December 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Drum English の 28 December 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

DRUM ENGLISHのその他の記事すべて表示
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 分  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 分  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 分  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 分  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 分  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 分  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 分  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 分  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 分  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 分  |
9 July 2020