Interview with singing sensation – Just Mia

Originally from a small town called Pringle Bay in the Western Cape, Mia Malherbe, is currently rating as one of Gauteng’s next hit singing sensations, and we at ShowMe Pretoria is proud to give you some inside information on this young and vibrant upcoming artist.

Mia, who is known on stage as “Just Mia”, is a huge lover of life and music. Creating and performing the arts of music is her passion and live’s passion.

We asked Just Mia a few questions about her career and future, this is what she had to say:

1. When and why did you start to sing?

I started to sing long before I can even remember. I do not have a specific reason why I started to sing, except for the fact that my passion for music is unexplainable, it’s something that I’ve just naturally been doing from a very young age. If there should be a reason why I sing it would be because of the fact that no talent should ever be wasted.

If there should be a reason why I sing it would be because of the fact that no talent should ever be wasted.

2. Which instruments do you play?

Currently I’m playing the guitar, but I would like to play the ukulele as well as the piano.

3. What was the first tune(s) you learned?

Sweet Child of mine (Guns & Roses) & Engel ( Karen Zoid)

4. Which famous musicians do you admire and why?

To be honest I truly admire all musicians famous or not, but I must say I’ve always been an admirer of the great 60’s singer Janis Joplin. I admire her because of her passion and her ability to capture emotion so honestly while performing.

5. Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

Yes, my father had a lot of vinyl records that I used to listen to over and over which includes the great Janis Joplin and The Beatles.

6. Have you been in competitions and have you received any prizes?

I’ve participated in Idols 2013 season 9 where I reached top 80 in South Africa and had the privilege of enjoying a wonderful experience during theatre week in Sun City. I’ve also competed in numerous competitions since a young age where I’ve won several gold medals.

7. Do you perform in public? can you describe those occasions, such as concerts, radio, or TV?

Yes I do perform in public at all kinds of events, for instance charity events, farmers markets, book launches, restaurants, etc.

8. Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?

Usually I’m not a nervous performer, but sometimes I do get nervous in competitions and especially if it’s a very important performance.

9. Do you write your own songs or only do cover features? If you do, can you give few examples, and any specific song that is close to your heart and what is the story behind the song?

I sing a lot of cover songs and also write a lot of my own songs in Afrikaans and English, and occasionally in other languages as well. I’ve also been blessed with ability to compose any piece of writing provided by other artists and writers. The song that is closest to my heart is an Afrikaans song called “Hey Jy” which I wrote for my mother that passed away.

The song that is closest to my heart is an Afrikaans song called “Hey Jy” which I wrote for my mother that passed away.

10. What is your goals for the future? Where do you see yourself as a musician one day?

My goal is to share my music with the world and to inspire other people and musicians with my talent. I always strive to better myself as a musician which will always be my number one goal.

11. What advice would you give to beginner musicians?

Don’t compare yourself to other musicians when it comes to music, since every musician is great in their own way. Rather let their music and talents inspire you to become a better musician.

12. Where can we expect to come and watch you perform?

I have a facebook page called JUST MIA that you can like and visit for upcoming performances, for example the Hap Koffiehuis in Pretoria has an event on Wednesday evenings called Wasgoedlyn Woensdae and all musicians are welcome to perform there during this event.

Have a look at some of Just Mia’s music video’s on het YouTube Channel JUST MIA

“Hey Jy” original video by Just Mia, dedicated to her mother who passed away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TtKO8wU9wc

“Toe vind ek jou” by Francois van Coke and Karen Zoid – Cover Feature

Just Mia also Performed at the local Farmers market at Forest Hill City Mall.