Jack Parow on his music journey and what fans can expect

Some days I just lay in bed doing nothing … other days I do some work, says Afrikaans rapper Jack Parow, of how he survived the first two levels of lockdown.

You’re celebrating 10 years of Parow?

It’s crazy. When I started people always tuned me no one will ever listen to this sh*t, they thought I was losing my mind.

Now it’s 10 years later and I work with the coolest people and brands [like Puma], my albums went platinum, I have my own brandy, my own signature Puma vellies [veldskoen] and I can braai every day. I’m celebrating all of that – as best I can in the crazy times we live in.

In your words: ‘Bef*kte dinge is oppad!’ (Cool things are on the way!) What’s next?

Nobody knows yet, so I’ll announce it here: the first run of Puma x Parow vellies sold out in 10 minutes so we are going to do another limited run. I’m also working on new music. This virus has meant a lot of changes for a lot of people but we need to adapt.

What has kept you busy since releasing your fifth studio album Afrika 4 Beginners in 2017?

Touring and making moelikheid [trouble]. I have been lucky to tour all over the world and it keeps me pretty busy but now it’s time for the next album which I’m writing at the moment. I’m k*k excited.

My brandy is doing amazingly and I want to thank everyone for the support. F*k, when I was growing up I would never have thought I would be making rap music, least of all have my own f*kken brandy.

Your shows have been cancelled. How else has it impacted you professionally?

Ja, f*k. It’s quite heavy being a musician, especially someone who tours so much and relies on that. Also, my show is super high energy and rof [rough] so the livestream thing doesn’t really work for my vibe.

You have performed all over the world – which are your favourites? 

That’s a difficult one! I’ve played some crazy venues – from Gorky Park in Russia to Hollywood Boulevard and Hong Kong – but I’m probably a bit biased towards the Netherlands because I’ve been going there for almost 10 years.

Parowfest at Tivoli Vredenburg in Utrecht has been sold out every time! Last year we even beat the record for the most beer sold at the venue in history, which is bef*k [wild] because all the biggest bands in the world play there and I think being a South African, I f*kken deserve that accolade!

Your favourite collab?

I have worked with a few of my heroes like David Kramer, Koos Kombuis and Valiant Swart and they are next level. We are so lucky to have bunch of cool musicians, and everyone becomes like family.

How can we keep supporting one another during this time?

We all know what to do. Keep talking and reaching out. Luckily there are lekker apps like WhatsApp, Zoom and House Party that help keep us sane and connected to our chommies [friends]. We have Zoom braais and play games on House Party and do things that keep you social without leaving home.

Do you plan to create more home videos to share on your social media platforms?

I’m pretty private when it comes to my home life but I’ve got some lekker stuff planned so kyk uit [watch out].

How are you staying motivated and positive?

People are releasing such crazy and funny content online, so that keeps me amped and motivated. People feel like they should be using this time and just creating or learning a skill but don’t pressure yourself. Some days I just lay in bed doing f*kol [nothing] for most of the day. Other days I play PlayStation and then the next day I write a bit or do some work.

What words do you live by when faced with challenges?

We are all just f*kkin here in space and most things that happen to you, you have no f*kn control over. Take it on the chin if it’s k*k and enjoy it when it’s lekker.