Jarrad Ricketts, the young stunner!

This good-looking yet humble, kind hearted, humorous and very lively young gentleman is about to make waves in the South African music industry. He has entertained several audiences around Cape Town and has stolen the hearts of many young ladies with his amazing voice, not to mention his witty charm. Oh, did I mention that his debut single ‘V.I.P’ recently landed at number 4 on the Goodhope FM’s South African Top 10? ALIYANA magazine met with South Africa’s latest offering in the music industry, Jarred Ricketts.

Who is Jarrad and what don’t we know about him?

Well, I’m a 22 year old musician/songwriter/composer from Cape Town. Must say I’m quite an extrovert, not too loud though – I know my place. I think what most people don’t know about me is that I am very pedantic and a perfectionist, I like things done a certain way… I believe that when you do something, you do it right or you just do not do it at all.

Who or what inspires you and keeps you motivated?

I would say my mother motivates me the most; she always makes me believe that I can do anything. I didn’t grow up rich or with loads of financial assistance, we always had what we needed but, we could not always get what we wanted. This is what motivates me, I know what it is like to not have… so I will do everything in my power (legally… lol!) to create a better life for myself.

Who would you love to collaborate with? (Both international and national artists)

Nationally I would love to work with Gold Fish! I love their music! Others include: Lira, HHP, Vicki Samson, Jimmy Dludlu, Freshly Ground, Jae, etc.

Internationally I would love to work with Pharrell, Timberland, Beyonce, Gnarls Barkley, T.I., Neyo, Michael Franks, Sade, J.K, Missy Elliot, Craig David, Nelly Furtado, Jay-Z, P. Diddy, N.E.R.D, etc.

What role do you feel the need to play as an emerging artist who will be adored by much of South Africa’s youth?

Adored? Nah, not me. Lol! I feel I need to play the role of the educator. I want to let the youth know about the realities of the struggles when trying to be a success. I want to make the youth understand that in order to bridge your dreams to reality you need to get off your butt and do it yourself.

The following are words that I gave Jarrad to define or elaborate according to his personal view of them…

· Dreams and aspirations – Without them, you have no aim in life. These are the secrets to success.

· South Africa – 11 official languages, diverse cultures, real food and beauty beyond compare. What a fantastic place to come from, I love my land.

· ALIYANA Magazine – What a great initiative and a great platform to speak to the wonderful and beautiful women of our country. More power to ya!

· The sand at the beach– Try to get that ish out of your car, man …

· Music – a universal language that’s units people across the globe. When words and gifts cant express how you truly feel.

Well, now that you ladies know who Jarrad Ricketts is and what this young sensation is all about, feel free to tell everyone, absolutely every living and breathing thing about him! If you’d like find out more about him or listen to his music, join his facebook group or download his songs at mtnxploaded.co.za.