Based : Johannesburg
Jaryd Smith is a talented South African singer, songwriter, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist known for his powerful vocals, infectious energy and innovative live-looping performances. Born on the East Rand of Johannesburg, Jaryd developed a passion for music from a young age. His grandfather and mother bought him his first guitar when he was six, although he only began playing seriously at the age of twelve.
Jaryd went on to study music for four years at the Campus of Performing Arts (C.O.P.A.), where he developed his skills as a vocalist and guitarist. During this time, he performed with different musical projects before becoming part of the band Van Smith. He spent three years touring with the band, travelling throughout South Africa and gaining valuable experience performing for diverse audiences.
After Van Smith disbanded, Jaryd embarked on a solo career, establishing himself as a dynamic one-man performer. His unique live-looping style allows him to build songs layer by layer using his voice and multiple instruments, creating the sound of a complete band on stage. His performances combine acoustic musicianship, strong vocals, original material and engaging audience interaction.
Jaryd’s musical style draws inspiration from a wide range of artists and genres, while incorporating his own distinctive sound and South African flavour. His songwriting includes original songs such as “Just a Little Bit More” and “Take It to the Light”, and he has released multiple recordings, including his album Charcoal Sketch. His more recent releases include the singles “We Can Dance” and “Messy Mind”.
