Soweto
I grew up in Soweto. One of my favorite hobbies as a child was playing soccer - kicking the ball around with friends on streets, full of passion and possibility.
I always dreamed of becoming a soccer player.
Welcome to Local Intel, your ultimate guide to experiencing Johannesburg like a true insider. In this series, we sit down with local personalities, tastemakers, and city enthusiasts to unlock their most cherished spots, their go-to experiences, and the untold stories that make this city so utterly captivating. Forget the guidebooks, this is your direct line to authentic Joburg.
J Ross is a star from Soweto, the iconic township where two of South Africa's Peace Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, lived.
The 42-year-old is a local and international award-winning singer, music producer, and songwriter. He has R&B, Kwaito, and Gospel albums.
The father of two has been flying the South African flag high and has produced music for the likes of Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa, and Arthur Mafokate.
His radio show, The Foreign Exchange Show, which he co-presented alongside international star Arlen "GRIFF," featured South African and American artists sharing their stories, music, and art.
Today, Ross works alongside his wife, Megan Vuma, to change the lives of children and the youth in and around Gauteng through art. The celebrity couple works with schools and other institutions for their charity organisations.
Ross sat down with us to share some of his favourite spots in Johannesburg and why he is proudly a Joburger.
