Jimmy Nevis has been taking the South African charts by storm with his catchy, melodic pop singles and his charming voice.

It's been blown up for him quite quickly, going from an aspiring artist to being the singer at the tip of every fan's lips. Jimmy was kind enough to chat with us and shed some light on his experiences. 

It’s been an incredible last 18 months for you. People all over SA are singing your songs, your album has been well received, How happy are you with the way things are going right now?

I am blown away by the response! I've really been given great support from everyone across the country. I still get shocked and surprised when I perform outside of CT and people know all the words and all the songs. It's what I've always dreamt of.

I've seen this on many forums and platforms, "Jimmy Nevis is like the South African Bieber" or "SA's Ne-Yo," How do you greet these comparisons and how do you respond to them?

It's great because I understand where people are coming from. I think Justin and Ne-Yo are amazing artists who have both managed to pave their own careers successfully. I am, however, happy that people are starting to accept and understand my sound and my perspective as an artist. I hope that as time goes by, they'll really get where i'm coming from.

You appear very grounded, you interact with fans. Isn’t it easy to get a bit carried away with all the hype? How do you keep your feet on the ground throughout all this?

It is very easy to get carried away. I didn't join this industry for fame or even fortune - it's all for the love of the music, the game and the fans. I think that as long as i stay true and pure to my initial intentions and continue to stay focused, staying grounded will remain a very possible attribute. I also have amazing people in my life who keep me in check, as well as Jesus, who reminds me how much I need Him and that I cannot do any of this without Him.

Subliminal has been a great platform for your career. Where is Jimmy Nevis going next? What kind of music do you want to be making for people?

It will always be pop music. I am hoping though to get a little more personal, a little more uncomfortable and a little more truthful. I've also hoping to get more politically activated in my own society - through music. I want to write songs for the revolutions that are yet to come.

What’s the best way to respond to criticism; I mean, not everyone is going to love you, right?

Yep. I've learnt that you cannot please everybody and whether you doing good or bad, people are always going to talk. I would say that you should just ignore the haters. This doesn't mean staying quiet, but it's about being smart. If you know who you are and you accept who you are, nobody can get you down.

Do you get to spend time with family/friends with the way your career is going?

Not as often as i would like to, but they are very understanding and always want what's best for me.

If music is a jungle, what animal are you and why?

I'm probably an elephant (not because of Elephant Shoes) because they are always on their own vibes and even though they are gentle and passive, they are strong and powerful.

If you could duet with one singer/band, who would it be?

Coldplay

Everybody at ZAlebs wishes Jimmy Nevis the very best in his career and we hope to hear more exciting music from him in the near future. 
 

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to find us on Facebook!