10 Questions with Dope Saint Jude
Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Dope Saint Jude is an advocate as much as she is an artist. Interested in raising awareness to LGBTQ and women’s rights, the musician has used her platform to create an empowered EP. Titled Resilience, Dope Saint Jude captures a moment in time: unapologetic, assertive and unique, her sound is just what 2018 needs.
Alongside the EP, Dope Saint Jude has created a zine full of art, poetry and stories from and by the marginalised communities of Cape Town. Offering a voice to those not usually heard, and a rather rare creative opportunity, she’s calling out for change. Dropping the first single, ‘Grrrl Like’ last week, we caught up with the creative powerhouse to find out what’s going on in her world. Explaining that “’Grrrl Like’ is my take on the Riot Grrrl movement”, Dope Saint Jude said “I wanted to bring it into a more intersectional and African context. The track celebrates being unashamedly yourself and in a rebellious anthem for grrrls”.
So, describe your music in 3 words…
Bold, honest, authentic.
Who’s your greatest influence?
My greatest influence in life is by far my mother. She was a certified bad ass. She is the reason I live life with intention and with joy.
What does music mean to you?
Music is how I make sense of my reality. I rely on it to both soothe and agitate me. It adds a bold filter to my world.
Who’s the last person you called?
My girlfriend.
What did you talk about?
South Africa decriminalised marijuana today, naturally we needed to convene.
One item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
I could live with random clothes, coz I can make anything work, but I need shades.
One album you couldn’t live without?
Jagged Little Pill. (struggling not to say Miseducation…)
What’s your favourite way to spend £10?
Turning it into 100.
How about £100?
Turning it into 1000.
What’s next for you?
My new EP, Resilient is releasing soon. I also have a zine I am releasing with the project. Look out for me on tour.
Listen to ‘GRRRL LIKE’ below now, and follow Dope Saint Jude on Instagram here. Resilience EP will be released on 2nd November. Dope Saint Jude plays Birthdays, Dalston on 14th October.
