Early B’s latest track Jinne Bruinman is a raw, unfiltered tribute to Junior King, blending grief, pride and cultural pride.
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While life keeps moving, some of us are still picking up the pieces of grief.
Early B’s latest song, “Jinne Bruinman”, lands right in that space, raw and unfiltered.
The track is dedicated to Junior King, born Dugulth Ferreira, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on the N1 near Verkeerdevlei in the Free State last December. Junior and Early B shared a creative bond, working together to craft music that spoke to their community and their lives.
The title Early B uses language that resonates within our community. “Jinne” is an exclamation used mostly in coloured communities; a sigh of disbelief, shock or reflection.
“Bruinman” refers to a coloured man.
By titling the song "Jinne Bruinman", Early B is embedding identity, pride and shared experience in it. It’s personal, yet universal. Grief, loss and frustration are emotions everyone can feel, but the words ground the song firmly in his cultural reality.
In the song, Early B sits in a grey room, talking directly to the listener, making it feel like you’re right there with him.
He calls out the lack of recognition for talent in the industry for people like Junior: “How many people hated Junior, bru? Many men. Ouens, recognition doesn’t cost a cent.”
In a world where visibility can feel algorithm-driven, he reminds us that acknowledging someone’s work costs nothing but can mean everything. It’s a lesson about giving credit where it’s due, especially for someone like Junior King, whose work was often overlooked.
Rapping in his own vernacular turns the song into a conversation. Every “bru” and “ouens” hits like a shared wink with the listener, creating intimacy and authenticity.
He calls out the industry and society at large: “Sy harde werk kry al die liefde nou, die haat weg.” (His hard work gets all the love now, and all the hate is gone.)
It’s a lesson in giving people their flowers while they’re here, not after they’re gone. He’s frustrated with a world that sometimes fails to notice real talent, the ones putting in the work, creating and trying to uplift others.
“Elke ou kan wees ‘n main ou, jou tyd is mos jou tyd.”
It’s simple but powerful. Everyone has their moment, their stage. Talent should be lifted, shared, and respected, especially in a community where we often see jealousy and competition get in the way.
Through these touching lyrics, poetry, and storytelling, Early B creates a track that’s meaningful, reflective, and necessary.
The message is simple yet crucial: we must support each other while we can, recognise effort and talent, and never underestimate the power of giving someone their "flowers" while they are still here.