Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler first captured national attention in South Africa in 1975 when his cover of The Drifters’ ‘Please Stay’ reached number 2, swiftly followed by ‘I Love How You Love Me’ peaking at number 4 the same year. He continued this early success with ‘I’ll Be Home’ in 1976, which charted at number 16. These initial releases were groundbreaking, as his first single marked the inaugural broadcast of a Black artist’s music on white radio stations in racially segregated South Africa, earning him a prestigious Sarie Award – the South African equivalent of a Grammy. Butler signed his first record deal as a teenager, having already begun touring with a stage show, and by 1978, he was composing and songwriting as a member of Pacific Express.

His music distinctively blends his South African heritage with his Christian faith, creating a unique and resonant sound for diverse global audiences. Most recently, Jonathan Butler released his album ‘Ubuntu’ in 2023, showcasing his ongoing evolution and commitment to his signature musical fusion.