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.
Musician. Restauranteur. Creative force. João da Fonseca, better known as J’Something, wears many hats, but at his core, he’s a Joburger who’s deeply in tune with the city’s rhythm. In this edition of Local Intel, he shares his take on Jozi life. For J’, Johannesburg isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a co-creator in everything he does.
"Jozi shaped me. It’s where I learnt to dream louder and work harder. The city doesn’t give anything away; it makes you earn it. That drive shows up in everything I do. In the music I make, the brands I build, and the way I think about community. It’s not always easy here, but that’s the beauty. It keeps you honest. It keeps you growing."
J' believes the energy of Johannesburg is something Joburgers often take for granted. "The energy man. It’s gritty, it’s raw, but it’s real. This city makes you want to build something. There’s this deep pulse that you only notice when you leave for a bit and come back. We live in a place that constantly pushes us, and I think that’s a blessing."
From slow mornings, in creative spaces, to unearthing low-key food gems and finding constant inspiration at Artistry, this is J'Something's curated guide to Johannesburg's best .
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