When a Forest Became a Recording Studio
Sometimes magic happens far from spotlights and studio lights. For J’Something, that magic came deep in the woods of Tsitsikamma. He recently opened up about a week spent alongside South Africa’s legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela—a week that quietly planted the seeds of their haunting track Heaven In You.
According to J’Something, the experience was simple yet profound. All day and night, he just listened as Masekela spoke about his life, his love for the land, and his long journey from exile back home. Nothing flashy, just conversations under forest canopies. That time together stirred something deep enough to become music.
A Song Born from Memory and Meaning
Heaven In You was more than a collaboration; it was a tribute. To the pain of exile. To the enduring love of home. To the resilience of the South African spirit. Masekela’s life story—his longing, his return, his artistry—became the emotional canvas.
J’Something explained how listening to Masekela talk about South Africa made him see the country through fresh eyes. The song became his love letter to the land and to the people who call it home. This wasn’t just a track. It was history, emotion, and heritage woven into melody and lyrics.
A Tribute That Touched Hearts
When J’Something debuted the song live at HughFest 2025, the atmosphere was thick with emotion. Thousands gathered under an open sky at Nirox Sculpture Park and joined him as he told the story of that forest week. The tribute culminated in a performance that felt less like entertainment and more like collective remembrance. For many, Heaven In You became more than music—it was a moment of reflection on identity, on home, on what it means to belong.
HughFest itself stands as a legacy project rooted in Masekela’s enduring influence on South African music. From the festival’s start in 2013, it has been a gathering where generations unite to honour the man who shaped so much of the sound and soul of Mzansi’s music.
Why This Story Still Matters
In a time when music can feel disposable, the story behind Heaven In You is a reminder of why art endures. It shows how connection, vulnerability, and history can create something timeless.
For South African artists and fans alike, the tale of J’Something and Masekela in the Tsitsikamma forest is a powerful nod to roots. It is a call to remember where we come from while dreaming of where we might go.
Because sometimes the most unforgettable songs don’t start with flashy studios or trending challenges. They start with two people, a forest, and the courage to listen.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: SA Music Mag
