Being an artist is hard enough. Being an R&B artist in South Africa? Even harder. But Jemapelle James is doing it anyway—and doing it his way.
In this episode, we sit down with Jemapelle James, the Durban-born independent artist and content creator whose viral moments and heartfelt tracks have made him a standout voice in South Africa’s digital music scene.
From skits that rack up millions of views to soulful music that reads like diary entries, James has carved out a space that lives somewhere between performance and honesty. A finalist on MTN Pulse Virals, co-signed by Slikour, and a collaborator with artists like Verge and Mikhalé Jones, he’s building something that’s rooted in craft—not clout.
In this conversation, we unpack:– How he balances storytelling with virality
– What it means to build a brand around truth
– Why the music industry isn’t built for nuance
– And what staying independent really costs
If you’re in the thick of building—whether as an artist, creative, or content creator—this one’s going to feel familiar in the best way.
Let’s cook.
#Ccast #JemapelleJames #RnBInSouthAfrica #IndependentArtist #Creatrepreneur #AfricanCreatives #ContentEconomyZA #MentalHealthInMusic #SlikourOnLife #BuildWithoutTheIndustry #MusicWithDepth