An after-party lounge, rooftop parties, open-mic comedy nights, unplugged music performances and movie premiere screenings are just some of the offerings from J’Something’s new multi-level restaurant.
Currently under construction in Africa’s richest square mile, Artistry will boast rooftop kitchen, an outdoor cinema, a swimming pool, a herb garden and a bar.
J’Something, real name Joao da Fonseca, tells Drum he is both excited and nervous about the new venture.
“My mom owned a restaurant for 18 years and my dad was also in food and beverages for years. So food has always been a big part of my life. So, in my head and heart, I started building a world that combines food and artistry.
“The rooftop can accommodate about 130 people, the floor below has a theatre that can accommodate 100 people, which will host things like unplugged music performance and movie premieres. Then on the floor below there is an after-party bar- lounge with indoor plants and a DJ space. It can comfortably accommodate 70 to 80 people.”
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The musician says because he understands the entertainment scene, this setup is just for perfect for Johannesburg.
“Cape Town people hop from one place to the next. But Joburg people are different, they want to chill at one place. So, the aim here is to have a place where people can go and chill from the afternoon to the evening.
“It is an experience. A cultural experience to be exact. So, it’s not just a place to eat. It’s gonna be chilled.”
Together with his business partners, he wants Artistry to be a space where artists can use the platform to showcase their work.
“As cliché as it may sound, it’s really about ubuntu. For brands, corporate partners and citizens alike to have a space that promotes and supports artists.
“All I know is that as an artist myself, I have always had a passion to help grow the arts and support up-and-coming artists.”
He says there are multiple dreams for Artistry, but chief among them is for people to walk away having had a “cultural experience”.
“I am designing the menu and putting together the recipes. I won’t be the head chef, but I will be anywhere I am needed.”
The Mi Casa lead singer laughs as he admits that they owe the country some new music since their last offering in 2020.
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“Mi Casa spent about two months in Europe this year, spending time with some producers over there.
"Next year we are going to release a body of work that is better than anything we have ever done before. We do not release all the time, only when we have something to say.
"And the nice thing about Mi Casa is that we do not allow industry pressure to influence us. Our music comes from an authentic place and that is why it resonates with people, because it resonates with us as well.”
He and his wife, Cordelia, recently welcomed a baby boy, but he does not want to talk about his family.
“I will say this, though, parenting has been life-altering, revolutionary and has introduced me to a depth of love that I never knew.
"It is one of the greatest gifts I’ve even been given. It has been magical.
"Coco and I have grown immensely, and with every day that passes, I love that woman a little bit more.”
