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Jah Seed and Admiral continue to put a fusion of reggae and dancehall into the spotlight, just as they first did in the 1990s.
As pioneers of the genres in SA, the duo believes reggae and dancehall still hold space in young people’s hearts. Ahead of their performance at the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival on Saturday, they reflect on their journey:
How has juggling your different musical paths shaped your work today?
Jah Seed: Whether through kwaito with Bongo Maffin, my solo projects or reggae and dancehall with Admiral, music has always been a tool of connection. Working with Admiral keeps me grounded in legacy while pushing our sound forward. We’ve collaborated on projects like his Netflix film Big Nunu’s Little Heist and now we’re building the Legacy Edition of the Dancehall Movement.
Admiral: Collaboration is about evolving. From soundtracks to cultural commentary, we’re committed to opening doors for younger talent and keeping the movement alive.
What does performing at Basha Uhuru mean?
Jah Seed: Music is timeless. Legends such as Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks still perform, while younger stars contribute fresh energy. Playing for youth means sharing that spirit of love and inspiration with the next generation.
Admiral: Festivals like Basha Uhuru give young people a space to express themselves and strengthen cultural identity. It’s about connecting genres, art forms and communities as reflections of human experience.
What is the meaning of this year's theme, “the legacy of creative expression”?
Jah Seed: Life imitates art and art imitates life. Creative expression reflects human experience and drives culture forward, whether in music, film or design.
Admiral: Festivals also create opportunities like Basha Uhuru’s film programme, where youth get mentorship from professionals. Freedom is not just political, but creative and these spaces allow great art to emerge.
How does your sound fit into a line-up that mixes amapiano, hip-hop and legacy acts?
Jah Seed: Reggae lives wherever other genres thrive. From Boom Shaka blending dancehall with R&B and hip-hop to today’s amapiano, our sound has always complemented and influenced these movements.
Admiral: Dancehall can flex with anything. Boom Shaka were the first I saw bring a local dancehall vibe, so it feels natural to share the stage with them and new acts.
How do you balance your different musical identities?
Jah Seed: Kwaito, reggae and dancehall are different voices in the same conversation. I keep each true to its roots while exploring connections between them – that’s where innovation comes from.
What advice would you give young artists?
Jah Seed: Never limit yourself – music is one entity expressed in many forms. Explore fearlessly and you’ll create something lasting.
Admiral: Build a following, no matter how small. Play for people who’ll come back to hear you again, and keep growing from there. You’ll be surprised how far it takes you.
Are there new projects on the way?
Admiral: Yes, I’m writing my next film, set for production in early 2026. Like my first, it’ll blend storytelling with music and commentary.
Issued on SowetanLIVE by Masego Seemla | https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/s-mag/culture/2025-09-09-reggae-and-dancehall-still-hold-space-in-young-peoples-hearts--jah-seed-and-admiral/
