Jazz musician shares his journey

Henry Philemon, a Jazz artist from South Africa, took us on us a journey of his upbringing and career as a musician.

The talented artist who was born in Capetown, moved to the vibrant city of Johannesburg at the age of two. His love of music transpired in his father’s church when he began playing instruments at the age of six years old. Henry is well known for his versatility and diligence. He began his career at the age of eighteen-years-old, where he joined a band called Nu-age. They received their first contract in Swaziland. In his own words, “Music was always my motivator. I always knew that I had something to add to the industry and the world. It was as if music had chosen me, and not me pursuing a musical career.”

Apart from being a multi instrumentalist, he is the Co-founder of Jophil productions, which does final recordings, mixing and mastering, hiring of stage lighting, and sound. After he emerged victorious at the Metro Fm awards back in 2017, he immediately knew that he had to pursue and get knowledge about the business side of music. By then he already had his studio which recorded different artists, as well as produced and arranged their music. Henry thus registered a company with his soulmate, who is now his fiancée. Winning the best Jazz album award was also an added advantage to his business.

Asking him about his most memorable response to his work, Henry described how he was filled with excitement and gratitude when he was nominated in two different ceremonies, being the “Best Jazz Album”, consecutively in 2017 and 2018, for the Saatma Awards and the Saafma Awards.

Unfortunately, Henry has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as he had to cancel some projects. However, he was still able to maintain a positive spirit by working on a gospel album for an artist, which is to be released soon. He has also not been able to perform in many festivals and shows as before, due to the pandemic, but he does hope that all will be well.