In his mid-20s he had a dream that he was being robed and now, more than 40 years later, this dream has become a reality.
On Monday 24 March he walked across the stage at Stellenbosch University in academic robes to accept an honorary degree bestowed on him.
What’s more, he is now entitled to style himself Dr Jonathan Butler, having received the Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), honoris causa, at the institution’s graduation ceremony for its Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
People’s Post caught up with the singer-songwriter and guitarist, who is currently in Cape Town until the end of this month.
He said he felt honoured to be awarded this accolade from the university.
“Thanks to Stellenbosch University for acknowledging this moment and for seeing me. Walking up the stage was incredibly overwhelming. Little did I know that a dream I had of being robed in my 20s would come true.
“I remember I had a dream in my mid-20s that I was being robed; little did I know how true that dream would become until a week ago, in Stellenbosch. A dream fulfilled.”
But this is not the only accolade he has received. In 2023, Butler was awarded civic honours by the City of Cape Town.
He could not personally accept the award at the time and was handed the accord by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on Friday 28 March.
“This past month has witnessed the most amazing moment of my life. To be seen by my city and be recognised speaks volumes of the love my city has for me, not to mention the love I have for my city.
“I embrace this with all of my strength, because it’s nice to know it is not happening when I’m dead. I am alive and can appreciate and enjoy the moments with my loved ones, brothers, sisters, wife and children and everyone that love and care about me. Thanks to the Mayor of Cape Town.”
Butler explains that coming from a musical family, it was inevitable that he became an artist.
“It started in 7th Avenue in Belgravia in Athlone more than 60 years ago. I was born in a family with music all around me. I was the last of the litter who picked it up.
“It was something my parents saw in me. And before I knew it they put me on stage.
“At the time I was shy, but when I got to sing in front of people the shyness went away. My family was responsible for creating that space and creativity where we all sang on the same stage, at Malay choirs and nightclubs, that’s where I started.”
More than five decades later, the 63-year-old says he hasn’t looked back since.
“Here I am still travelling the world making music and hopefully making people happy. And I am trying to bring the world together and make the world a better place alongside my friends.”
Butler defines music as divine food for the soul.
“What would the world be without music? God’s first thought was music, sound and how the frequency of that sound would cover the earth. Music was my teacher, mentor, girlfriend and wife. I didn’t need much because music was everything I needed and everything I had.
“Music starts the conversation; music ends the night. Music is the reminder that we need to congregate and celebrate. Music is like water, you need water to live, and music is the same thing for me. This world will not be the same without music.”
Butler, who now lives in California, said whenever he visits Cape Town he loves visiting some of his favourite places.
“Whenever I am here I have to go to Willoughby’s, Wembley Roadhouse, Pigalle to get the best prawns. I have to go to Swingers: I am a local boy, so I want to see my people act like fools. I go to the Blue Room, the music there is stunning. Those are some of my favourite things to do.”
Asked when his fans can expect new music, Butler said he is working on an exciting new project. “I am here in Cape Town working on a new project, I can’t share too much. But it is an incredible homegrown project.”
The musician explains that he believes in mentoring and motivating the next generation of artists.
“I make a point of working with young musicians whenever I am in South Africa, and I encourage them to work hard. The reward won’t come when you sit around.
“Spend time with your instrument, spend time with your voice, spend time learning to craft your song. Invest in yourself. Believe in yourself, believe in your ability to succeed.
“I also try to explain to them that little things done correctly equal perfection. This is one of many things I’ve learnt in my life.”
Butler also expressed his gratitude to his supporters. “I am you and you are me. We are one person. I want you to know I will always make you proud and fly the South African flag high.”
