Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler (1961-). Singer-songwriter and musician.
Contents
Biography
Jonathan Butler was born in Athlone, Cape Town, in 1961. Raised in a large family under conditions of systemic restriction and segregation, Butler found music to be both escape and expression. Encouraged by his parents and community, he developed early as a singer and guitarist, blending church music, township rhythms, and American soul records that reached Cape Town’s shores.
Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television.
In the 1980s, Butler relocated to London, seeking artistic freedom and broader audiences. There he signed with Jive Records, marking the beginning of his international career. His commitment to his craft came to fruition with his self-titled debut album, which received a GRAMMY nomination for the pop hit “Lies.” An instrumental “Going Home” earned him another GRAMMY nomination and the mid-tempo ballad “Sarah, Sarah” confirmed Butler’s place in popular music.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
In his early teens Butler won a local talent contest, affording him the opportunity to perform with a touring musical company throughout South Africa. On occasion he would perform at lavish concert halls for whites only, where he would not be allowed to use the bathroom, and the very next night he would perform in a dilapidated local township. Ultimately, his ticket to a new life was music.
At thirteen, Jonathan’s talents caught the eyes and ears of the British record producer Clive Caulder. He was signed to Caulder’s Jive Records. Jonathan’s first single broke down racial barriers becoming the first song by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa.
Awards, etc.
His debut single “Please Stay” (1975) earning him a Sarie Award. In 2025, Butler received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from Stellenbosch University.
Sources
https://jonathanbutler.com/pages/bio
https://thearchivetimes.co.za/articles/jonathan_butler_biography
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