Jaco van der Merwe

Pretoria-based electro/rap group Bittereinder was formed in 2009 when rapper Jaco van der Merwe approached Peach van Pletzen, also known as Yesterday’s Pupil, and Louis Minnaar about his desire to start an Afrikaans rap project.

Jaco had been writing and performing English hip-hop and rap since 1998, using the stage name Ajax, and had released two solo albums in 2005 and 2009.

How long have you been living in Snorcity?

29 years.

Bittereinder’s song ‘Tale of 3 Cities’ is about your love for Pretoria. How did this song come about?

Hip hop has always been about “where you’re from”, you know? It was time Pretoria got that laid down in
rhymes.

When you’re not on the road or working, what do you do for fun?

Fun things, mostly.

Favorite venue in Pretoria to play?

The old Nile.

Have you ever been to a Blue Bull game? If yes, would you recommend we go?

Yes, and no.

Favourite shop, coffee cafe & bar in Pretoria?

Honey Badger Bistro (Pretorius Street) and +27 Design Café (Duncan Street).

Worst (least favorite) Pretoria shopping mall, and why?

I’m not sure. I’ve been at some pretty dodgy little shopping centres in the Norf. Not sure if they
qualify as malls though.

What’s your favorite Pretoria suburb?

Groenkloof has some beautiful streets. I grew up in New Muckleneuk and Sunnyside and Waterkloof, so I have the most memories around there.

You travel a lot. What is your favourite destination?

Chile.

What’s your number 1 must see Pretoria tourist attraction?

Go to Player’s in Lynnwood road. Ask if the owner, Vaic, is around. Say I sent you and challenge
him to a game of 9-ball. Totally must-see.

“’n Ware Verhaal”, Bittereinder’s debut album, took almost two years to complete and was produced and recorded by the band. It won them the SAMA award for Best Alternative Afrikaans Album in 2011.

The band’s new album, ‘DieDinkDansMasjien’, has just been released.

For more information on Bittereinder, visit their website at bittereinder.com.