A journey from darkness to light

Jamie Calderhead’s soulful voice takes you back to early Witbank. The nostalgic memories tell a tale of a time when Rock and Roll was king.

It was here in pubs and restaurants where Jamie cut his teeth on the stage singing a bit of Classic Rock, Blues, and Jazz.

You see music today can be created with algorithms, but still, the lyrics must come from somewhere. It is someone, like Jamie, with a passion for music that lets the melody live on.

Over a cup of coffee and homemade biscuits, Jamie shared some of his fondest memories.

I was 18-years old, the new kid on the block, I had a guitar and I could play three chords,” Jamie kick-started the interview.

Six years later he found himself in a band called Jude.

Together with fellow band member, they became renowned for their folk music spot.

In 1981 Jamie found himself in the then very popular restaurant, Malcolm’s Restaurant, owned by Malcolm De Astui.

“I got paid,” Jamie excitedly said. He got R20 a night and a free meal. Life was good and Jamie was busy performing many a night.

“I always said if I could get five years out of this it will be pretty cool.”

Then one day Jamie got offered a gig at Jerry Fraser’s Coalliery restaurant at Presidents Place.

“I was earning R70 a night and played twice a week. I was a millionaire!”

By now Jamie could play five chords and for the next six years, he made that gig his own.

Jamie had a real job too. He was a draughtsman for Highveld Steel and then for SA Cyanamid.

But life was not all ballads. Jamie faced addiction, alcoholism, mental disorder, and divorce.

It was after a drunken spell that he realised there is more to life.

“I was powerless to change and at my lowest point in life, God stepped in. I answered God’s call and accepted His invitation to play again, this time on a completely new level. It is as if the Classic Rock, Blues, and Jazz are coming alive again because my power source is different.”

Jamie has the unique ability to make people turn around and listen, not just because of his very strong Scottish accent, but also because of the infectious enthusiasm he talks about God.

Jamie’s life has a purpose now and his music ignites the soul.

Many people go through dry seasons and Jamie’s face lights up when he ends with inspiring words, “This is what life is all about. We are not here to judge or walk alone. We have an almighty God that will not let go of our hands.”

SEE JAMIE’S VIDEO