“I wrote about what we feel when we love. The older I get, the more introspection I do. To delve deeper and write about it is not only therapeutic, but also provides new wisdom to live a better a life,” says Jako.

 

His love of music comes a long way. Growing up in Springs and matriculating at Hoërskool Hugenote, he wrote music for all the bands he was part of during his high school years. He also showed a keen interest in drama.

 

After completing his BA Law degree in 2009 at the NWU, he obtained his postgraduate diploma in education.

 

Combining his knowledge of law and education, he taught criminal law and commercial law modules in the South African National Defence Force in 2011.

 

His first love

 

“The arts, however, have always been my passion and first love,” says Jako, adding that writing music is his way of “cementing his true purpose.”

 

Heeding his first love’s call, Jako is currently based in Pretoria as a freelancer who attends auditions and writes music.

 

He is the lead singer in two bands, Moses Metro Man and Die Rottweilers, but Moses Metro Man has been taking a break, giving Jako more time to focus on Middernag Kantoor.

 

Although not a full rock album as his fans might have expected, the album features three rock songs but is calmer and more relaxed than his earlier music, revealing another side of himself.

 

A multifaceted artist

 

Music is not Jako’s only forte. In addition to being a talented musician and songwriter, he is also a seasoned actor.

 

He was a member of the group Flip A Coin in 2005 and 2006, and later performed in the theatre production Die Wyndigters, which combined original music and poems with wine tasting.

 

Then the small screen beckoned. He had a brief role in the South African soapie Generations in 2018, and also featured in 7de Laan, where he played the part of Barry Loots. In addition, Jako was in the TV series Donkerland and Bloedbroers.

 

He says that although all the people he has met during his acting career have had a strong influence on him, the highlight was working with actor and playwright Deon Opperman in Deon’s musical showcase Tree Aan in 2011.

 

When he is not acting or making music, Jako enjoys spending time with his fiancée Inge Daneel and his two budgies. He also enjoys travelling.