Creating Light in Darkness: Jody Mayhew Discusses His Journey and New Music
Intro
South African singer-songwriter Jody Mayhew has built a reputation for creating music that not only entertains but also heals and uplifts. His newest single, ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, is a heartfelt anthem of hope, written from a place of deep empathy for those facing tough times. Having established himself as an artist unafraid to tackle difficult themes, Jody’s music offers a comforting reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always another chance. In this interview with Fanbase Music Magazine, Jody takes us through his creative process, the personal meaning behind ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, and his vision for the future of his music.
Questions
ody, ‘Nog ‘n Kans’ is a song with a deep emotional message. Can you walk us through the creative process behind the song? How did it start, and what were your key inspirations during the writing process?
Jody Mayhew: I sat down on a Tuesday morning with one mission in mind: to write something that would make a difference. Because of that, it was an easy process to channel my feelings into the right words.
You’ve mentioned that ‘Nog ‘n Kans’ was inspired by the tragic story of a young person. How do you approach writing songs that are so deeply rooted in empathy and real-life stories?
Jody Mayhew: I try to change my perspective and put myself in the shoes of the person I’m writing about. A lot of times, it’s people I’ve had conversations with who inspire my songs.
Since writing ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, you’ve heard stories of how the song has touched and even saved lives. How does it feel knowing your music has had such a profound impact, and how does that influence your future songwriting?
Jody Mayhew: It’s always a privilege to make an impact on people’s lives, and because of that, my writing will always have a deeper meaning so it reaches the right audience.
There’s an intense emotional depth to ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, but it’s also musically engaging. How do you strike a balance between the emotional weight of your lyrics and the overall sound of your songs to keep the listener drawn in?
Jody Mayhew: I think when the emotions become part of the song, the engaging part naturally follows. But when it’s the other way around, there isn’t always room for the emotions to follow.
This single is in Afrikaans, and your first Afrikaans song was played on over 30 radio stations. How does performing and writing in Afrikaans compare to your English songs, and what does it mean to connect with fans in your native language?
Jody Mayhew: I really enjoy writing in English because it comes more naturally to me, but some songs just can’t express what I want to say in English. Afrikaans hits differently. I’d love to write in Tswana or Zulu, just to give my music a different dynamic.
Your songs often delve into difficult emotions and life experiences. How do you maintain emotional vulnerability while also protecting your mental well-being as an artist?
Jody Mayhew: I take breaks from people and writing for at least a few days. It’s like swimming – you need to take a breath.
In your music career, you’ve faced various challenges and moments of growth. Can you share one defining challenge that shaped you both as a person and an artist, and how it influenced your music?
Jody Mayhew: I participated in a few competitions where it felt like a sport – you had to be better than the person next to you. This broke me, but it also woke me up to the fact that our talents as musicians are unique and never meant to harm. You have to do you.
Aside from musical inspirations, are there any books, films, or personal experiences that have had a significant impact on your songwriting, particularly with ‘Nog ‘n Kans’?
Jody Mayhew: I was in a similar place at the same age, and the post I came across on Facebook took me back to that feeling of being alone.
You’ve been creating music since 2014, and your style has evolved over time. How do you think your sound has matured, and how has your audience’s response shaped the direction of your music?
Jody Mayhew: Over time, I’ve found different directions in what sound suits me. In the beginning, I just wanted to make music, but now I want to express the music inside me. Some audiences connect with that, and others don’t, but rejection often tells me I’m on the right path.
For young musicians or songwriters facing self-doubt or difficult circumstances, what advice would you give based on your own experiences?
Jody Mayhew: Never compare yourself to anyone else – what you have to give is more than enough. Some will love you, others won’t. Either way, you’ll end up as the “bad guy” in someone’s story.
Looking ahead, are there any exciting collaborations or projects on the horizon that your fans can look forward to after the release of ‘Nog ‘n Kans’?
Jody Mayhew: I’ve got a song in the pipeline with a great singer-songwriter—also in Afrikaans—and many other songs ready for release.
Finally, Jody, what personal message would you like to leave for your fans as they listen to ‘Nog ‘n Kans’ and continue to support your journey?
Jody Mayhew: I’d like to thank each and every one of you for keeping my passion alive with your support. Even something as small as a like or a listen reminds me that there’s hope.
Through ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, Jody Mayhew has once again proven his ability to craft music that not only touches the soul but also carries a message of hope and resilience. His journey from self-taught musician to a voice of comfort for those facing tough times reflects his deep commitment to using music as a force for good. As Jody looks to the future, his evolving sound and heartfelt connection with fans ensure that his music will continue to resonate with audiences across South Africa and beyond.
Stream ‘Nog ‘n Kans’ on all platforms from Friday 27 September https://linktr.ee/jodymayhew
Follow Jody Mayhew
More About ‘Nog ‘n Kans’
The new single by South African Singer-Songwriter Jody Mayhew titled Nog ‘n Kans (Another Chance) carries a powerful message of hope and support for those who may be going through tough times. The inspiration for the song came from a deeply moving story about a young person who faced significant challenges. It underscores the importance of offering encouragement and compassion to those who might feel overwhelmed. Jody created this song with the hope of reaching out to anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone and that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.
Jody Mayhew shares that “The song was born from a place of care and sadness. I feel that people don’t hear the words enough: that life without you will be empty. Many times, when we are in a place where we feel we’re not making it, we measure ourselves against the standards out there that are simply unattainable. Many people reach a point where they no longer want to be here, and this song is for them. I read an article about a 15-year-old boy who took his own life, and I decided to write the song. Little did I know that the song would go on to save someone else’s life and give it meaning. We are here to leave footprints in each other’s lives, and this is how I want mine to look.”
Jody Mayhew Biography
If you’re wondering where the name Jody Mayhew comes from, you’ll find him performing on many stages across South Africa, from restaurants to events, and you might have heard some of his songs on the radio. Jody was born in Pietermaritzburg and grew up in Brits, where he taught himself to play guitar at the age of 15 and first appeared on stage at 18 in a school revue.
Jody boasts eight songs that have already been released on various platforms, with one of his tracks ‘Travel the World’ reaching the top 3 in an international competition. His first Afrikaans song ‘Altyd Somer Saam Met Jou’ was released and played on 30 radio stations. Jody has been performing since 2014 and has a unique style where he takes well-known music and makes it his own. His original songs are beautifully woven into his performances, with a hint of Singer-Songwriter Country feel, alongside his Afrikaans songs that resonate with everyone. Jody has opened for various South African artists, including Arno Carstens, Roan Ash, Francois van Coke, Juan Boucher, and Dozi. Jody comments: “Seeing each artist’s passion and love for music and the industry is inspiring and creates a sense of gratitude in me for all their work that has paved the way for me to walk today.”