How Jasper Dan’s Strategy & Resilience Made 'Mama Voodoo' a Success

Jasper Dan has been a force to reckon with, not only playing alongside iconic bands like Iron Maiden but also making their mark on major lineups alongside local talents. Despite being labelled South Africa’s “most hated metal band” at one point, they’ve pushed through and carved out a significant niche in the industry. Nasiphi Zwane recently had a chat with the Joburg rockers courtesy of Devographic Music Agency, and these are some of the highlights from the audio interview.

The Secret to Jasper Dan’s Success

So how did Jasper Dan manage to elevate their status and play alongside some of the biggest names in rock? Hard work, and networking. Much of their success can be attributed to the relentless hard work and strategic approach of their vocalist. 

'A lot of what Jimmy did was going in and making sure he knew exactly what the people were looking for. He went to every single show and took the feedback, made sure he did what the people wanted, and put on the best show possible. It's about building relationships, which is something we as a band try to do, and that has a lot to do with how Iron Maiden came about.'

The South African Alt Scene and Its Challenges

The local support Jasper Dan has received over the years has been substantial. The band has collaborated with other South African acts and has seen a lot of backing from local radio stations, but the scene is not without its faults as the band highlights.

'We've had a lot of support from our local radio station here in Joburg, Mix FM, but we struggle to get onto more commercial and national radio stations in South Africa. The scene is a double-edged sword as we've created relationships with people around us like Dirty Moonshine, Man As Machine, we have a close-knit community, but i do find that guys are often doing their own shows and everyone ants to do their own thing and wants their to be the best. There can be a bit of ego involved, and we sometimes struggle to get into certain festivals because the same five or six names constantly play them. At the same time though, there is a lot of love around us.'

"Mama Voodoo" and Its Impact

Jasper Dan's latest single, "Mama Voodoo," premiered on Kerrang Radio—a monumental achievement for any band, especially from South Africa. The guys break down their 4th release with Robin Welsh.

'The track emerged from a single riff and evolved into a song exploring themes of traditional and dark magic practices. Written during lockdown in a unique studio environment, the song embodies a raw, live energy that was captured in one take. This approach helped preserve the authenticity and vibrancy of the song.'

The Best Rollout Strategy

The band’s success with "Mama Voodoo" can be credited to a well-executed rollout strategy. They enlisted Devographic Music Agency to handle their promotion, which led to the song’s premiere on Kerrang! Radio. This strategic move was crucial iin amplifying their reach and gaining international recognition.

'We've been around for a few years and a lot of it is DIY, but at some point you need to get people that actually know what they're doing on board, hence our work with Devographic Music Agency. Devo has come to the party with that, you just see all these things everyday and off he's going.'

The Importance of Social Responsibility

For bands, having a positive social footprint is crucial. It’s not just about making music but also about contributing to the community and supporting meaningful causes. Jasper Dan’s efforts in this regard are a testament to their commitment to both their art and their values as shown through their support for children with cerebral palsy and the Paige Project.

'We do what we can with what we have. We have a platform, let's do what we can with it. The main aim is to just have fun and giving as much as we can to our friends and supporters.'

Conclusion

Jasper Dan's journey is one of resilience and dedication. With their latest single "Mama Voodoo" making waves, the band continues to push boundaries and make significant contributions to both the music industry and their community. Keep an eye out for their future projects and the impact they will undoubtedly continue to make.