Every generation has that one artist. The one who never needed trends to validate their talent. The one who could disappear from headlines, lose label backing, miss out on brand deals, and still return with music that reminds everyone why they mattered in the first place. That’s BigStar Johnson.
Talent like his isn’t manufactured, it isn’t bought, it isn’t dictated by algorithms or industry politics, it’s a gift. For a long time, I’ve felt like South Africa never truly celebrated BigStar Johnson the way we should have. Sure, the industry has its own complexities, and artists also have to take responsibility for certain decisions, but that’s not what this is about. Today is about giving a phenomenal musician his flowers.
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Last week, I found myself revisiting Me & Mines, and one thought kept lingering: we really overlooked how incredible this album is.
From the opening moments of “Understand Pt. II“ to the title track “Me & Mines,” the project showcases an artist operating at an elite level. The songwriting is intentional, the sequencing feels cinematic, and every feature serves the record instead of fighting for attention. It’s one of those albums that plays like a complete body of work rather than a collection of singles.
BigStar’s pen has always been his superpower. His rhyme schemes are intricate without being forced, his metaphors land naturally, and his subtle love for jazz gives his music a richness that reveals itself more with every listen.
Take a line like, “You’ll never hurt my feelings girl, I know you’re with me in my heart everywhere I go.” The way the production shifts underneath him while the emotional thread remains intact is masterful. It’s songwriting that doesn’t scream for attention—it earns it. Then there are records like “Sgubu” featuring Kwesta and “Righteous.” Every revisit uncovers something you might have missed the first time.
Photo by: @xaintvision.psd
But BigStar’s story has never just been about making great albums, it’s about resilience. Despite the setbacks, the silence, and the industry’s ever-changing nature, he has continued to make honest music. Whether it’s the support of his family, those closest to him, or simply his unwavering faith, one thing has remained constant: he never stopped creating. As he once rapped, “Remember, nothing stays the same when God intervenes.” That line feels even more powerful today.
Then came Ceaser in 2024—a deeply personal project that felt less like a comeback and more like a statement. The album explores legacy, identity and family, with its structure reflecting both his own journey and that of his father. By the closing track, he revisits the emotional thread he first introduced in Understand, bringing years of growth full circle.
One of the standout moments is hearing him reference JimmyWiz and ShabZi—an acknowledgment of the people who helped shape his path, or rather worked with. Then there’s the heartfelt conversation with his father on the following track, a moment every young man, especially young fathers, should experience. It’s vulnerable, honest and beautifully executed.
Photo by: @xaintvision.psd
He opens the album with the words, “Here we are… we’re back here again.”
It isn’t just an introduction. It’s a reminder that despite the time away, BigStar Johnson never lost what made him special. And just when you thought he had said enough, he reminded us again this past Friday by releasing another beautiful record. Another reminder that the music has never stopped being exceptional.
If you’ve never taken the time to really listen to BigStar Johnson, now is the moment. Revisit the catalogue, sit with the albums. Pay attention to the writing, the arrangements and the storytelling. South Africa has been asking for authentic artists. The truth is, we’ve had one all along. It’s time we celebrated BigStar Johnson the way he deserves.
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