photo by steed media service

Gospel/Jazz Artist, A Brand New Day

Jonathan Butler was once oblivious to the vile effects of apartheid. As a child growing up in rural Cape Town, South Africa, Butler didnÕt realize that there was a racial disadvantage until he visited the city and noticed that every building had signs that separated blacks from whites. Despite the overt inhumanity that was taking place in his country, Butler continued to pursue his love of music and has since become one of the most prominent voices to emerge from South Africa.

Throughout his 22-year music career, Butler has released 17 albums and garnered worldwide acclaim and numerous awards. He was also the first black artist to receive airtime on all-white radio stations in South Africa. But even with his musical success, Butler wasn't immune to the legalized racism in his country.

There was a time in South Africa when a black man could be sentenced to five years for dating a white woman, says Butler. When I won the Sarie Award, the TV station blacked out the program. They didn't want to show the white woman kissing me as I got the award.

While apartheid has since been abolished, Butler continues to make socially conscious songs and his recent album, A Brand New Day, is an inspirational journey that reflects on the importance of spirituality.

A Brand New Day is the answer to the troubles that we face in life, he says. Even if things are bad today, it will be better tomorrow. Every song has a personal meaning to me. It's all about [uplifting] Christ. - amir shaw