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Just Jinjer
Just Jinjer
Just Jinjer
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Just Jinjer (formerly known as Just Jinger) is a contemporary rock group hailing from South Africa.[1] Just Jinjer is one of the top-selling rock bands in South African history, with over 250,000 units sold.[2] Over the last decade, the band has performed and toured with U2, Counting Crows, and Def Leppard among many others, performing both locally and internationally in the United Kingdom and Dubai, and released six critically acclaimed albums.

Key Information

The band's debut album, All Comes Round, became the best-selling rock album in South African history.[3] Their second album, Something for Now, was certified gold in only three weeks from release.[3] Both albums achieved platinum certification.[4]

In 2004, they performed several arena shows with Counting Crows and completed their own tours in London and Dubai. In 2005, the band recorded their international debut album with Grammy Award–winning producer David Bianco in Los Angeles.

In 2006, Just Jinger changed the spelling of their name to 'Just Jinjer', to avoid having the second word in their name mispronounced /ˈdʒɪŋər/ or /ˈdʒɪŋɡər/ instead of /ˈdʒɪndʒər/.[1][3][5] They released a new eponymous album in 2006 with this new spelling, consisting of 13 songs including both new and old material.[5]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

Former members

  • Sandy Chila (guitar, producer) (2005–2009)
  • Simon Bailey (guitar) (2003–2005)
  • Alec Bridges (guitar)
  • Danie Van Rensburg (guitar)
  • Anthony Galatis (keyboards)
  • Verny Scholtz (guitar, keyboard, brass, vocals)
  • Tuxx Mothomme (bass)

Discography

[edit]
  • All Comes Round (1997)
  • Something for Now (1998)
  • Here's to You (1999)
  • Strange World (2000)
  • Greatest Hits (2001)
  • Collectors 2003 (Limited copies) (2003)
  • Bootleg Album (2004)
  • Just Jinjer (2006)
  • Milk & Honies EP (2009)
  • Just Jinjer (2010)
  • Everything Since Then (2015)

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Just Jinjer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Just Jinjer is a South African contemporary rock band formed in 1996, renowned as one of the top-selling rock acts in the nation's history with over 250,000 albums sold worldwide. Originally named Just Jinger, the group changed its spelling in 2006 to prevent mispronunciation internationally. Led by frontman Ard Matthews on vocals and guitar, alongside drummer Brent Harris and bassist Denholm Harding, the band rose to prominence with their energetic live performances and anthemic songs blending rock urgency with timeless appeal. The band's origins trace back to Johannesburg's Gauteng province, evolving from an earlier project called Tri Funk Era when Matthews joined forces with Harris; Harding later completed the core trio that has remained stable since 1997. Their debut album, All Comes Round (1997), achieved double platinum status in South Africa, featuring four Top 40 hits on national radio and establishing them as a pivotal force in the local rock scene. Follow-up releases like the EP Something for Now (1998) and full-lengths Here's to You (1999) and Strange World (2000, recorded in London) continued their domestic success, with the latter showcasing a more polished, global sound. By 2001, their Greatest Hits compilation underscored their chart dominance, including singles such as "Like You Madly" and "Those Days." Just Jinjer's international breakthrough came after relocating to and later , where they signed with in 2009 for their U.S. debut album, Just Jinjer (2010), which included tracks like "What He Means" and aimed to bring South African rock to broader audiences. Throughout their career, they have shared stages with global icons including , , and , cementing their status as a bridge between South African music and the world stage. Despite lineup fluctuations with additional guitarists and members over the years, the band's enduring legacy lies in their double-platinum debut and role in elevating rock's prominence in a country where it was not the dominant genre.

History

Formation and early years (1994–1999)

Just Jinjer evolved from the earlier project Tri Funk Era, started by drummer Brent Harris around 1994 in , province, . Singer-songwriter and frontman Ard Matthews joined Harris shortly thereafter, and the group rebranded as Just Jinger in 1996, initially performing as a drawing from influences like and Led Zeppelin. The duo was quickly joined by collaborators including Verny Scholtz on guitars, keyboards, and vocals, as well as Tuxx Mothomme, establishing the band's early lineup focused on energetic rock performances. Starting on the local circuit, they built a grassroots following through dynamic live shows in unconventional venues such as school halls and rugby fields, helping to cultivate interest in 's non-mainstream rock scene at a time when such opportunities were limited. By 1996, after a series of compelling local performances that caught the attention of record executives, Just Jinger signed a deal with BMG , marking a pivotal step toward professional recognition. Their breakthrough came with the release of the debut album All Comes Round in 1997, which achieved double platinum certification for sales exceeding 100,000 units and became one of the highest-selling rock records in South African history. The album produced four Top 40 singles on South Africa's radio station, including the hit "Shallow Waters," and established their rapid ascent. The momentum continued with the EP Something for Now, which reached gold status within three weeks of release and later achieved double platinum status, featuring radio favorites like "Like You Madly," alongside a cover of Rodriguez's "Sugarman" that resonated with local audiences. In 1999, their follow-up studio album Here's to You further entrenched their popularity, delivering hits such as "Those Days" and emphasizing a mix of upbeat tracks and ballads that connected deeply with fans. Throughout this period, the band undertook extensive touring across , often supporting emerging local acts and performing at diverse events to solidify their domestic fanbase in an evolving rock landscape.

International move and name change (2000–2009)

In 2000, Just Jinger relocated to in pursuit of greater international exposure beyond their South African success. The move influenced their fourth studio album, Strange World, released that year and largely recorded in the UK, with lyrical themes reflecting the displacement and challenges of their transcontinental shift. Tracks such as "For All We Know" and "" captured this transitional mood while retaining the band's signature melodic rock style. The band gained visibility through support performances for major international acts, including and during European arena tours, as well as shows with and Toto. These opportunities, alongside sold-out gigs in and in 2004, helped build a global audience despite the logistical hurdles of operating abroad. In October 2001, Just Jinger released Greatest Hits, a compilation that underscored their commercial achievements with selections from prior . This was followed by the limited-edition Collectors 2003 in 2003, featuring rare tracks and B-sides, which served as a bridge during their evolving international phase. A subsequent Bootleg Album in 2004 documented live recordings from their travels. Following these releases, entered a hiatus marked by personal projects and internal shifts, including lineup changes with the departures of Verny Scholtz and Tuxx Mothomme. Scholtz's exit, attributed to musical differences, occurred amid efforts to adapt their sound for broader markets. The period allowed frontman Ard Matthews to focus on songwriting and production, while other members explored solo endeavors. In 2006, the band rebranded from Just Jinger to Just Jinjer, altering the spelling to prevent mispronunciation—often as "finger"—and enhance appeal in the U.S. and global markets. This coincided with recording their self-titled album in with producer David Bianco, blending new material with reimagined classics. By 2009, Just Jinjer had relocated to the , where they signed with in Nashville after pitching demos to label executives. This deal, secured after years of independent touring and persistence abroad, positioned the band for a North American and paved the way for their subsequent releases.

Reformation and later career (2010–present)

In 2010, Just Jinjer released their self-titled album through as their U.S. debut and first major international effort, featuring tracks recorded earlier including the single "What He Means," which highlighted the band's evolving rock sound and received attention through its official . This release marked a stabilization of the core trio consisting of Ard Matthews on vocals and guitar, Brent Harris on drums and vocals, and Denholm Harding on bass and vocals (stable since 1997), with occasional contributions from additional musicians. The band's momentum continued with the 2015 album Everything Since Then, their first full-length studio release since the 2010 self-titled effort and a reflective compilation incorporating career highlights alongside new tracks like "Touch the Sky" and "Wonderful World." This project underscored their enduring appeal in and beyond, building on a legacy of over 250,000 album units sold across their catalog. Post-2010, Just Jinjer maintained an active touring schedule across , the , , and , including high-profile performances such as the 2024 De Grendel Summer Concerts series in . These outings balanced rigorous live commitments with member solo ventures, notably Ard Matthews' ongoing projects that often incorporated Just Jinjer classics alongside previews of new material from his 2025 album As It Should Be, released on November 18, 2025. As of November 2025, the band continues to engage fans through live shows in and international appearances, with orchestral collaborations like the 2020 reimagining of "What He Means" featuring the and KZN Philharmonic Orchestras signaling potential for fresh recordings. This sustained activity has kept Just Jinjer relevant in contemporary rock scenes while honoring their foundational hits.

Musical style and legacy

Genre and influences

Just Jinjer is primarily classified as a contemporary rock band with alternative and pop elements, characterized by their propulsive rhythms, melodic guitar work, and anthemic vocals that blend accessibility with emotional depth. Their sound often features vibrant, dynamic instrumentation, including acoustic guitar-driven melodies and harmonious vocal layers, which contribute to a polished yet heartfelt delivery. Themes in their music frequently explore introspection, personal relationships, and spiritual upliftment, as exemplified in tracks like "Shallow Waters," where lyrics delve into vulnerability and emotional navigation. The band's musical evolution reflects a shift from the raw, energetic rock of their 1990s origins—rooted in the post-apartheid South African scene—to a more mature, layered production in the and beyond. Early albums such as All Comes Round (1997) showcased a straightforward, high-energy style influenced by the local rock circuit and experiences, emphasizing epic, memorable melodies without heavy aggression. By the , releases like Just Jinjer (2010) incorporated orchestral tinges, keyboards, and percussion for richer textures, alongside subtle electronic elements that added modern pop sensibilities while maintaining their core rock foundation. This progression was shaped by international exposure, including time in and , which broadened their sonic palette. Key influences on Just Jinjer draw from both South African rock pioneers and global acts, informed by frontman Ard Matthews' early immersion in diverse sounds. Domestically, they emerged from a tradition of bands pushing rock boundaries in a non-mainstream context, while internationally, tours supporting and introduced stadium-scale dynamics and anthemic songwriting. Additional inspirations include electro and alternative icons like and for experimental edges, as well as foundational figures such as , , and , which infused their work with timeless melodic appeal and emotional resonance. Personal experiences of displacement after relocating abroad in 2000 further infused their music with themes of adaptation and hope, evolving their style toward positivity and layered introspection.

Impact and achievements

Just Jinjer is recognized as one of South Africa's top-selling bands, having sold over 250,000 albums throughout their career. Their debut album, All Comes Round (1997), achieved double certification (over 100,000 units), marking a significant commercial breakthrough for the genre. The follow-up, Something for Now (1998), also reached double status after initially going within three weeks of release, establishing the band as pioneers in elevating music's market presence in the post-apartheid era. The band garnered multiple nominations at the (SAMA), including three in 2007 for their self-titled album in categories such as Best Rock Album, alongside nods in 2009 for the single "What He Means." Their songs dominated airwaves with six number-one hits and ten top-10 singles on South African radio, contributing to their iconic status. Internationally, the commercial release of their U.S. single "Can I Have More" in 2009 via . Just Jinjer played a pioneering role in transforming rock from a niche genre to a mainstream force in post-apartheid South Africa during the 1990s boom, galvanizing radio play, live circuits, and fan engagement that benefited subsequent acts. As a benchmark for the local scene, their success inspired a wave of rock bands by demonstrating commercial viability and artistic innovation in a market dominated by other styles. Culturally, the band bridged South African and international music scenes, with their themes resonating at social events and rugby fields, where they innovatively repurposed athletic venues as spaces for thousands of fans—a practice highlighted in a 2009 feature. Their long-term legacy endures through ongoing relevance, including tours in the such as a 2024 performance at De Grendel Concerts, and their influence on contemporary South African rock exports by paving the way for global ambitions.

Band members

Current members

Ard Matthews serves as the and for Just Jinjer, having been a founding member since the band's formation in 1996. As the principal songwriter, his contributions have shaped the group's introspective and melodic rock sound, drawing from personal experiences including his upbringing as an in a single-parent household, which has influenced the emotional depth of his lyrics. Matthews has also pursued solo projects, releasing albums such as Impossible Machines in 2018 and As It Should Be in 2025, where he explores themes of love and personal growth with full creative control. Brent Harris has been the drummer and provider of backing vocals since Just Jinjer's inception in 1996, bringing a rhythmic drive to the band's performances through his early-developed percussion expertise—he received his first at age five after experimenting with household items and was recording professionally by age 16. Like Matthews, Harris grew up as an , a shared background among trio that has fostered a tight-knit dynamic in their music-making. His drumming not only anchors the band's energetic live shows but also extends to side projects, including leading the party band Thee Jam. The band remains active as of 2025, with recent performances including shows alongside the . Denholm Harding joined Just Jinjer on bass and backing vocals in 1997, providing vocal harmonies and stabilizing alongside Harris to support the band's rock foundations. Born to professional musician parents—his mother a music teacher and his father a performer—Harding demonstrated early talent and has contributed to the group's global tours and recordings, including shared stages with acts like U2. As an like his bandmates, his role emphasizes reliability in both studio arrangements and live settings. Sandy Chila acts as an occasional collaborator on guitar and keyboards in Just Jinjer's live performances since the band's reformation after , enhancing arrangements without a fixed membership role; he previously contributed as a full member from to , including production on their self-titled album. Based in , Chila's multifaceted skills as a , , and add layered textures to the band's sound during select shows.

Former members

Just Jinjer experienced several lineup changes during its formative years, with multiple musicians contributing to its evolving sound before the current stable configuration took shape. Verny Scholtz was a key in the band's early lineup, playing guitars, keyboards, and providing vocals from its formation in the mid-1990s through the early 2000s. He played a significant role in layering the instrumentation on early releases like All Comes Round (1997) and Something For Now (1998), including songwriting credits on tracks such as "Ahead of Time" and "Stand In Your Way". Scholtz later pursued solo endeavors, releasing his own music independently. Tuxx Mothomme handled bass and backing vocals from the mid-1990s until around 2000, contributing to the foundational groove of the band's debut album All Comes Round and subsequent efforts. His tenure ended amid the band's relocation to in 2000, marking a transitional phase for the group. Dan Janse van Rensburg joined as in the late 1990s, adding to the band's live and recorded sound during albums like Here's to You (1999) and Strange World (2000). He departed in the early 2000s as the band entered a hiatus following its international move. The band cycled through various short-term bassists primarily in its pre-1997 era before Denholm Harding became a fixture in , alongside core members Ard Matthews and Brent Harris.

Discography

Studio albums

Just Jinjer's debut studio album, All Comes Round, was released in through BMG Records Africa. Recorded at Rhino Studios in with producer Reggie Bowman, the 16-track record marked the band's breakthrough, blending with introspective lyrics and achieving double platinum certification in for sales exceeding 100,000 units. Standout tracks included the hit single "Shallow Waters," which captured the band's raw energy and emotional depth. The follow-up, Something for Now, arrived in as an EP-length studio release on Colossal Records. This six-track effort maintained an focus while incorporating covers like Sixto Rodriguez's "Sugar Man," and it quickly earned gold certification within three weeks before reaching double platinum status. The album's concise format highlighted the band's evolving songwriting, emphasizing melodic hooks and thematic introspection. Here's to You, released in September 1999 by BMG Records Africa, represented a shift toward pop-rock elements in the band's sound. Featuring tracks like "Perfect Ground," "Here's to You!," and "Those Days," the album explored themes of and reflection, building on the commercial success of prior releases. In 2000, Strange World was issued by BMG, recorded in amid the band's relocation abroad. The album delved into themes of exile and displacement, with its production reflecting a more polished, international rock aesthetic. Just Jinjer was released in 2006 following the name change, featuring 13 tracks with both new and previously released material. The self-titled album Just Jinjer emerged in 2010 on . It featured tracks like "What He Means" and marked a mature phase in the band's career. The band's most recent studio effort, Everything Since Then, was independently released in 2015. This retrospective-style album revisited past influences while introducing new material, available digitally through platforms like , and underscored Just Jinjer's enduring creative evolution.

Compilation and other releases

Just Jinger's Greatest Hits, released in 2001 by BMG Records Africa, compiled their most popular early singles from the , capturing the band's commercial zenith with tracks such as "Shallow Waters," "Sugarman," and "Father and Farther." This 18-track collection served as a amid their international relocation, achieving significant sales in . In 2003, the band independently produced Collectors 2003, a limited-edition release featuring rare tracks and B-sides from their transitional phase, including "Million Things," "Care About Him," and "Speak Your Mind." Limited to a small print run, it targeted dedicated fans during a period of lineup changes and reduced output. The Bootleg Album, issued in 2004 on the Electromode label, was a fan-focused compilation released during the band's hiatus, gathering 13 previously unreleased or alternate recordings like "She Knows," "Safer," and "Table Talk." This South African CD provided insight into their creative process amid uncertainty. After rebranding as Just Jinjer in 2006, the band saw reissues of Greatest Hits in digital formats post-2010, with updates incorporating tracks from their post-name-change era, such as selections from Just Jinjer (2010), to bridge their discography for new audiences. A related 2007 compilation, Collections on Sony BMG, further expanded on this by curating eight key early hits including "Sugarman" and "Like You Madly" for retrospective appeal. In 2020, Just Jinjer released a special orchestral single, What He Means (feat. Philharmonic Orchestra & KZN Philharmonic Orchestra), reinterpreting their 2006 track with full symphonic arrangement to commemorate career milestones. This limited release highlighted their evolving sound through collaboration with South Africa's premier .

References

  1. https://www.danceforkindness.com/anthems-artists/just-jinjer/
  2. http://rock.co.za/legends/90s/just_jinger.html
  3. https://www.discogs.com/artist/399164-Just-Jinger
  4. http://artists.curb.com/artists/artistbio_T1.cfm?ID=303
  5. https://iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/2004-02-23-counting-crows-pick-just-jinger/
  6. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-africas-top-band-honors-its-roots/
  7. http://www.music.org.za/artist.asp?id=266
  8. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/148384-Just-Jinjer
  9. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/493e31a9-5f44-4b95-a12b-975b377dbd07
  10. https://briefly.co.za/18994-list-south-african-bands.html
  11. http://rock.co.za/sarockdigest/archives/issue_32.html
  12. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/just-jinjer
  13. https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/480/40597.html
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxDjJ5h6KaI
  15. https://bsharp-entertainment.com/just-jinjer-release-new-single-2/
  16. https://www.capetownetc.com/whats-on-single/just-jinger-at-de-grendel-summer-concerts/
  17. https://ardmatthews.com/media/
  18. https://www.2oceansvibe.com/entertainment/music/sa-music-legend-ard-matthews-is-dropping-a-new-album-video/
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BWUzK2YDsM
  20. https://www.undergroundpress.co.za/interviews/just-jinjer-just-as-awesome-as-before
  21. https://equipboard.com/band/just-jinjer
  22. https://open.spotify.com/track/09OTVFYkdnLoYoY7p5RifC
  23. https://texxandthecity.com/2015/11/just-jinjer/
  24. http://thefuss.co.za/interview-with-just-jinjer/
  25. https://www.news24.com/just-jinjers-spicy-life-in-us-20070328
  26. https://musicalmover.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/sama-nominees/
  27. https://www.news24.com/channel/the-2007-sama-nominees-20081201
  28. https://www.instagram.com/justjinjer/?hl=en
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  30. https://ridic-human.com/podcast/ard-matthews/
  31. https://ardmatthews.com/biography/
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUZ9jioYtWs
  33. https://speakersinc.co.za/conference-band/brent-harris-and-thee-jam
  34. https://www.instagram.com/p/DHixxHAssPs/
  35. https://audiosure.co.za/denholm-harding/
  36. https://factoryent.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/sandychila/
  37. https://www.discogs.com/artist/454740-Verny-Scholtz
  38. https://www.discogs.com/artist/4646354-Tuxx-Mothomme
  39. http://rock.co.za/amuzine/reviews/music_review_jinger.htm
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/7558702-Just-Jinger-Something-For-Now
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/4416698-Just-Jinger-Heres-To-You
  42. https://briefly.co.za/66501-just-jinjer-biography-members-songs-albums-profile.html
  43. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ywF40MvBzMeS8jijufoao
  44. https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/480/138534.html
  45. https://www.discogs.com/release/1934763-Just-Jinger-Greatest-Hits
  46. https://open.spotify.com/album/3yLXrpm6y9qnnvMJs03JzZ
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/7558763-Just-Jinger-Collectors-2003
  48. https://justjinjer.bandcamp.com/album/collectors
  49. https://www.discogs.com/release/11053273-Just-Jinger-Bootleg-Album
  50. https://open.spotify.com/album/0kb2JWkimI9ZVzcW79CInj
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  53. https://open.spotify.com/track/50GFKW4NUBRqjkgmEjwgKe
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