Henry Wickens (29, Pretoria), originally from Upington, has started building something special in
his new surroundings.
A sonic world where emotion, acceptance, and confusion collide. Under the name Jammer, he releases
his latest Afrikaans pop-punk single, “Pers” (Purple). A deeply personal, honest, and unapologetic song
that sounds like what it feels like to be human in 2025.
“I think a lot of people feel split in two. That’s what I wanted to capture. I’m torn between hope and
despair, between meaning and chaos, between love and loss. Purple is that color that happens when
everything mixes. It’s beautiful, but it’s hard,” says Henry.
What is “Pers” about?
On paper, Pers is a two-minute song. In sound, it’s something that lingers long after the last note. It starts
with a playful reference to the “red or blue pill” – choices, isolation, and uncertainty – but that image
quickly explodes into something deeper: self-doubt, addiction, emotional entanglement, and a desperate
need for something that feels right.
The lyrics speak directly and without masks. It’s personal, but excludes no one.
Who is Jammer?
Jammer is not just Henry Wickens with a guitar. It’s a sounding board for what usually goes unsaid. A
character. A voice. More than just a music project. Jammer is a way to release emotion without apology.
It’s not an image or persona that needs to be polished and pretty. It’s a reaction against that very
expectation. It’s raw, honest, and unfiltered. Music that says what needs to be said.
“It’s not just music. It’s a place where I can exist without anyone trying to ‘fix’ me.”
Jammer is for people who feel, but don’t always know how to speak. The music carries the emotion that
has no name. And it proudly finds its place among heavy guitars, lo-fi textures, and genuinely Afrikaans
lyrics.
The process behind “Pers”
The song Pers was written by Henry during an intense time of self-reflection. A time that felt like a
whirlwind of frustration, longing, and loss. Once the lyrics and melody were locked in, Henry knew there
was only one person who could give the production the right feeling: Peach van Pletzen.
Peach, known for his work with Bittereinder and Van Pletzen, mixed the vocals and mastered the entire
track. His unique ear for detail and instinct for atmosphere gives Pers a finish that still feels raw, but is
rich with emotional layers.
Why should you play “Pers”?
Because it’s honest. Because it’s different. Because there has to be space for raw sounds in Afrikaans.
Follow Jammer:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jammer_musiek/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jammermusiek
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jammer_musiek
Listen to Pers here:
https://ditto.fm/pers
