Central SA
International musician opens up about sexual assault in Bloemfontein─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 08:00 Sat, 12 Apr 2025
International jazz and gospel musician/songwriter Jonathan Butler has shared a traumatic experience while visiting Bloemfontein, to inspire and uplift aspiring young musicians in South Africa.
Butler was welcomed by, among others, Mangaung councillors and representatives of the Free State Department of Arts and Culture at the Heide Primary School in Heidedal on Friday (11/4).
When speaking about his life experience – to motivate the young generation wishing to join the arts industry – he shared a traumatic experience while performing at the Bloemfontein Showgrounds decades ago.
Bochabela Strings performing for Jonathan Buttler and attendees at Heide Primary. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
The Cape Town-born artist said his mother decided to put him on stage to sing at the age of five, growing up in a struggling family. The situation was so dire that he used newspaper instead of toilet paper, with no flushing facilities.
He said that since the age of five, he had been supporting his mother with the money people threw on stage. His mother passed away in the 80s.
“I was born in Cape Town, but raised in Durban and Joburg. I lived in Boksburg, I lived in Pretoria, I was travelling all over. We played at the showgrounds when I was seven years old, I sang there, and that’s where we slept. That is where we stayed and that is where my life changed,” he said.
“I saw whites-only signs, blacks-only signs, coloureds-only signs and as a young boy, I couldn’t go there and it was a very difficult experience. There on the showground, that’s where I first lost my innocence.
“I was a little boy aged seven and the gentlemen who owned the show molested me. He took away my innocence. I was ashamed, fearful, felt guilty and distressed. I’m saying today, Bloemfontein, where are the showgrounds? Show me the showgrounds, I want to go back to that showgrounds.”
Mangaung Councillors, Free State Arts and Culture officials, artists and learners were among those who welcomed Jonathan Butler at Heide Primary. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
He said God turned around what was evil for good, as he is standing tall today, among all the suffering he had to endure. He encouraged people who are going through similar circumstances not to die in silence.
He called on Mangaung and government officials to create a safe space for the young generation to talk with each other, as he did not have such a safe space at the time that he needed it the most.
He said people may look rich and be famous today, but others do not know those people’s backgrounds and the suffering they endured before they became successful.
