Jax Panik – Cigarettes & Cinnamon

Jax Panik (aka Jacobus Johannes van Heerden) was born and raised in Bellville (a suburb of Cape Town in South Africa). He played various bands whilst attending varsity. He switched regularly between guitarist, bassist and keyboardist. He tried explaining his unique vision to musicians he was playing with but eventually realized that he wants to do his own thing. He bought some cheap software and started recording and programming his own tracks. Jax Panik was born. During his high school days he was part of 22 Stars (Johnny de Ridder and Jaco Venter (both in Fokofpolisiekar ) were part of this band. Jax Panik was the first South African artist in history to distribute and perform his music online only (that must be some kind of record in my opinion). I see a bright future for this South African musician. He truly is one of the most talented musicians I’ve heard in recent times. South African music truly is alive and well in 2009. Lots of new talent is bubbling up out of the most unexpected places in South Africa. Jax Panik plans to release his new album early in 2010.