Meet Jermaine George, Mzansi's modern day Ray Charles breaking barriers in the music industry

Jermaine George, better known as MayJ-C, is a rare force in the music industry — an artist whose depth of knowledge, technical prowess, and raw talent transcends the ordinary.

Born visually impaired, MayJ-C had to reimagine the world around him, forging his own unique path in a society built for the sighted.

Rather than seeing his blindness as a limitation, he turned it into a superpower.

He embraced technology as a tool for creative expression, pioneering innovative ways to bridge the gap between the visually impaired and the broader music industry.

His mission is clear: to level the playing field for blind and partially sighted individuals, ensuring they have equal access and opportunities within the industry. By merging physical and technological advancements, he envisions a future where talent—not limitations—determines success.

With an impeccable ear for sound and a masterful grip on production, he doesn’t just make music; he shapes sonic landscapes.

His expertise extends beyond composition—he writes, produces, and provides critical insight into the intricate relationship between music and film. The gifted pianist uses his instrumental skills to refine vocal performances and enhance his productions.

But his talent doesn’t stop at music-making—his influence spans the entire pre- and post-production process. MayJ-C’s  razor-sharp instincts in audio mastering allow him to sculpt and perfect any sound, ensuring each track resonates with precision and emotion.

Q&A with Mayj-C

Sasha-Lee: What’s one thing that people don’t know about your journey?

Mayj-C: When I first had the idea of becoming who I am today, there wasn’t a 'how.' No technology, no roadmap, no one to show me where to start. I had to dream it all into existence.

SL: How has being blind shaped your experience in the music industry?

The most obvious challenge is people not taking me seriously. They see my disability before they see my work. It’s crazy—last year, I was submitting music for Grammy consideration, yet people are more interested in how I make dinner or send texts from my phone.

Accessibility, in general, is the biggest struggle. I get that we live in a visually driven world, but basic things like getting gig info, reaching promoters, and especially applying for government funding have been massive hurdles.

That said, I’ve always done my own thing, regardless of what’s happening around me. Somehow, I’ve managed to bypass a lot of obstacles while overcoming others.

SL: The creative process—how do you approach making music?

Writing and producing is me expressing myself in the rawest, most honest, and vulnerable way I know how.I'm inspired by life—women, relationships, good vibes, great music. Drake is definitely someone I listen to a lot.

SL: Tell us about your upcoming project.

Throughout my career, I’ve had to constantly reinvent myself. I’ve helped break several artists since 2015—rappers, R&B singers—some went far, others thought they could do better without me. Eventually, I realized, if I’ve done this for so many people, why not do it for myself? I’ve always wanted to make a rap/hip-hop project, but I never liked what my peers were making.

The lead single, Mercedes, explores that moment just before you break through—the transition to the life you’ve always dreamed of. SPWL is just a bop, with a few jabs thrown in.And there’s a track that captures my experiences as a blind artist in the club scene—just life from my perspective.

SL: Do you think the SA music industry is inclusive enough?

The last mainstream artist with the same disability as mine was the late Steve Kekana. That was decades ago. There’s been a lot of change since then, but in terms of real inclusion? Not much.

I guess the torch belongs to me now. Awareness is key, but I also think people with disabilities need to speak up more. A lot of us aren’t given a voice—we’ve been conditioned to let family or others speak for us.

IOL