Lifestyle, Arts & Culture
Text & Image: Rina Smit
Drawing and painting is foremost about seeing. Merely look at something and you will see it very superficially, but draw or paint it and the natural world will be revealed to you, You will really begin to see it in your own personal way, and maybe share your vision with others.
Text: Tracy Tredea Images: Dalene Cornelius
Miracle Within MIRACLE WITHIN is written from a Christian perspective and is aimed at all the excited ‘mommies-to-be’ out there. It was written by an experienced, loving mother and wife who has a passion to inspire woman to embrace the joys and privileges of motherhood.
The author takes the expectant mother through the various stages of baby’s development and brings to light the miracle of life within the womb. She also elaborates on the assurance of God’s divine purpose and destiny for each and every unborn child. R ay M
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Each weekly devotion is composed of a pertinent bible extract, an inspiring message, an update on baby’s development, information on what is happening to your body at the various stages of pregnancy, as well as encouraging tips from many other devoted and supportive mothers. About the author: Tracy lives in Pretoria, is married, and has two children. When she was pregnant with her first child, the dream of this book was divinely birthed. Tracy is a gifted speaker, delivering inspiring messages to women, wives and mothers. Excerpt From Miracle Within – Week 7 – Beat, Beat Jeremiah 24:6b “And I will build them and not pull them down. I will plant them and not pluck them up. Then I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Lord, and they shall be my people, and I will be their God…” Something beautiful beyond words takes place in your baby’s life this week. Towards the end of last week, your baby’s heart and circulation system were beginning to function. Tiny as your baby is, at about 1.3cm in length, the most astounding phenomenon takes place now. Your baby’s heart begins to beat. For the rest of your child’s life in your womb and outside of the womb, your child will need his or her heart to
continue beating in order to live. Your baby’s heart is new, fresh, and ready to face its many years ahead of beating multiple times per minute. My question to you though is, what is the state of your heart – not physically, but spiritually? Proverbs 4:23 says, “Protect your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life.” Life has a way of throwing many curveballs at us and often out hearts become entangled in “issues”which cause us too much pain to bear. The sad thing is that many of us carry these entangled hurts around with us throughout our childhood, into our adulthood, bulldozing through our marriages and ultimately affecting us in parenthood. Without confronting these hurts and taking them to Jesus, they will consume you, ruining your destiny and destroying the ultimate plan God has for your life. Do you know that when Jesus was crucified, the final act of punishment they inflicted on Him was spearing His side. The bible records that at that point blood and water flowed. (John 19:34) This is a powerful symbolic aspect of the crucification. Experts say that when blood and water mix together in the body, it is a sign that tremendous pressure was placed on the chambers of the heart causing it to burst!
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Do you realise the significance of this? Jesus’ heart literally burst so that you and I can receive healing from our broken hearts! He wants you to live a full
life with a heart which is restored and free from past hurts and issues. I encourage you, just as your baby’s heart started to beat this week, to allow the Lord to restore your heart. Take your pressures and pains to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to heal you. Then you can enjoy your motherhood without the nightmares of your past and function in the beauty of parenthood! RM Contact details: Tracy Tredrea Tel: +27 12 997 0911 Cell: +27 845 930 902 tracyda@gmail.com
READER OFFER To stand a chance to win 1 of 3 Nu Skin Galvanic Spa Systems, simply send an email with all your contact details to: marketing@ray-magazine.com. Subject: Galvanic. Winners will be notified in person.
Joe Niemand Scenes from g n Song of So
s
Text: Sonja da Silva
JOE NIEMAND has been quietly moving behind-
the-scenes of the South African music industry, becoming an in-demand songwriter and performer for those in the know - credited for his intuitive gift for a melody and knack of crafting lyrics that speak of universal themes of love, struggle and redemption.
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Put this to Joe, however, and this humble singer and songwriter is reluctant to make too big a fuss out
of his unparalleled reputation in the South African music business, professing to hardly remembering his impressive slate of work. Joe comments on his new album: LOVE “I had an instruction to go to Israel, I knew I had to write an album and the Lord showed me that it is going to be
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the world slightly askance, Joe headed for Pretoria after school to study music. “I thought it was going to be about the music that I was into which was rock but it was very much focused on light music and jazz,” Joe says of his course and so, faced with an armful of real work in his last year, he left before finishing his studies. “What I did benefit from was the people I engaged with – it was incredible. Music is about connecting with people and finding individuals as passionate about it as you are.” Name three compositions you can’t live without and why. I used to think I couldn’t live without music but I learnt through a season of leaving the music industry that I keep breathing without it. So to answer the question, I can live without all of them. Describe your music style. That is a difficult one for me; I’ll describe the style of the last four albums. Reborn -Adult Contemporary/ Rock, This is War- Rock, Glory To The KingSymphonic, Love- Cinematic. I think that it’s very easy to fall into the style of whatever had success before. My approach is to allow every album to be what it is supposed to be.
The strength of Joe’s songwriting is a real feature of LOVE – and the artist has been honing his craft since he was a teenager growing up in the Eastern Cape. “I wrote my first decent song at 17,” Joe reveals, “and have been writing ever since”. For someone who is acknowledged as one of South Africa’s leading composers, it took a while for Joe to welcome this side of his creative being into his life: “In the beginning, I felt strange about writing music. Armed with an intelligence that had him looking at
What is your most treasured possession? I guess some of my guitars, but I find that I stress about them less these days. They are instruments that were made to make music and where the avoidance of a scratch or some other damage used to be a big concern, I now consider not using them often as misuse. I would rather have guitars with music scars than perfect lifeless relics. What makes you happy? Feeling that what I spend my time on will not die with me. What projects will you be busy with in 2011? I’m working on 2 albums set for release in 2011. The one is my first Afrikaans album on Psalms and the second is called Revival: The Anthems of Joy. The latter is an African album and one I look forward to start work on. e8 ssu
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Much of this artist’s low profile has to do with Joe’s belief in letting the music speak for itself.
Name one thing that you think would improve the industry. A solution to piracy
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“The way we as men relate to this is actually firsthand experience. When we look to the women we love, if we are in the right place, we are willing to fight for them, no matter what. Then we actually have a very clear idea about how Jesus feels about us. God loves us, more than we can imagine, more than we can love Him back…God is love!”
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from His perspective. I didn’t understand that it was actually the Song of Songs, only when I got there, the picture got clearer. The whole book of Song of Songs, God says to each one of us over and over, “You are beautiful to me.”
How has the music industry in South Africa changed over the last five years? People downloading pirated music have devastated it. The industry has consistently lost ground to the point where record companies and retailers are struggling to survive. Soon music retailers will disappear and one can only hope that music lovers will realize, that they kill the music they love by stealing it. The “everyone does it” excuse will only serve to kill decent music quicker.
Name one goal you would like to achieve in 2011. I would like to spend more time working and more time with loved ones. My goal is to cut out more of the noise in between. Who is your role model / models? Angus Buchan is my spiritual dad and I learn a lot from him. Sometimes more by watching his example of living what he preaches, than the words he says. Who in this industries’ work do you admire and why? Retief Burger, I appreciate his simplicity of theology and how unaffected he is. Tell us a bit more about your musical education? I studied music at the then Pretoria Technikon and started writing songs for commercial artists during my studies. I consider the friends I made that I still work
Do you have any other hobbies, besides music? I come from a family of hunters, so I really enjoy being outdoors and being in nature. The silence there is good for me in a way nothing else is. Tell us about your family. Are you the only one with musical talent in your family? My one brother was in the Drakensberg Boys Choir, my mom sang and my Grandad played the violin. Music was always just there. My mom is the one who cheered me on to follow my dream. Tell a secret about yourself that no one knows about… I am very suspicious of the Tele Tubbies… Favourites: • Film: • Programme: • Food: • Colour: • Song: • Actors:
The Matrix Grassroots Steak Brown Happy Birthday Jeff Bridges; Dakota Fanning
Quotes that you live by? Humility is like silence, the moment you talk about it, it’s gone. Do you do this full time or do you have another career? I am in music full time and I have a record label. Do you have any advice for aspirant musicians? Make sure you were meant to be a musician. Then: Work hard, dream big and never stop believing. RM
Image: R eint Dykeman
with, the biggest blessing of my studies. What is your fondest memory of 2010? Mighty Men Conference where the biggest crowd of people I have ever seen came together to seek God. R ay M
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BLOSSOMS SONG OF SONGS CHAPTER 4 VERSE 12 – CHAPTER 5 VERSE 1 THERE IS A GARDEN IN MY CITY WHERE NO ONE ELSE CAN GO A LABOUR OF LOVE A TREASURE HIDDEN WITH SECRETS ONLY I KNOW MY GARDEN IS PLEASURE UNDEFILED A SWEET HAVEN OF LIFE SECURE FROM WITHIN PROTECTED FROM WITHOUT MY GARDEN IS A HOLY DELIGHT CHORUS YOUR BODY IS MY ORCHARD MY PRIVATE PARADISE YOUR COLOURS FLOW LIKE FRAGRANCE YOU’RE EVERY RAREST SPICE I COME TO CELEBRATE YOUR BOUNTY FEAST ON YOUR MILK AND HONEY AND BLOSSOMS FILL THIS CITY RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS CITY BUT SEPARATE, PEACEFUL, PRETTY YOUR WELL RUNS DEEP THROUGH EVERY SEASON LIKE GRACE YOUR SPRINGS FLOW FREE CHORUS BRIDGE WITH WALLS TOO HIGH FOR THIEVES TO SCALE MY GARDEN IS A DELICATE PARADISE BEHIND A GRANITE VEIL CHORUS
READER OFFER
5 RAY READERS CAN WIN JOE NIEMAND PHENOMENAL NEW CD: “LOVE, SCENES FROM SONG OF SONGS” To stand a chance to win this outstanding CD, simply send an email with all your contact details to: marketing@ray-magazine.com, Subject: Joe Niemand. Winners will be notified in person.
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Cell: +27 79 902 4495 Email:info@niemand.co.za Web: www.niemand.co.za
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Contact:
Melanie
Text: Ally Mesnard & Images: Maranatha R ecord Company.
Meeting the
twenty-something year-old for the first time, at Maranatha Record Company, one discovers something of an anomaly: an almost preternatural combination of innocence and wisdom, a bubbling personality that belies a deep-rooted stillness of being, a heart for the abandoned and the poor… Since her fourteenth year, Melanie has been involved with outreaches to countries, like Cambodia, Bali, and the Philippines. Through her music she brings a message of hope to the masses, reaching her heart’s desire to be a difference in today’s world. She recently performed at The Edinburgh International Festival, one of the most prestigious, innovative and accessible festivals of the performing arts in the world…
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An honour bestowed on a South African artist. She is more than a gorgeous face, she is steadfast in the teachings of Christ, and a true inspiration to many of the world’s youth. Ray asks Melanie to share her thoughts with our readers.
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How did your career in music begin? As a 5-year-old girl, I started singing at old age homes and shopping centre’s, soon there were people asking for a tape (at that time it was still tapes) and we decided to record my 1st album at the age of 11. That was half secular and half Christian. I got signed with a major secular label in South Africa, and then moved to the Christian Label Maranatha when I was 13. They immediately recorded an album and released it that year. Since then I’ve released 9 albums to date. Name three compositions you can’t live without and why. (At the moment) - Imogen Heap – it’s the most creative and stylistically innovative music. It inspires me to think out of the box when it comes to writing songs. - Secret Garden – I was introduced to this Irish/ Norwegian band by a great mentor of mine, and this is the music I like to listen to before I do concerts. It creates an awesome mood. - Rascal Flatts – This can put you in a good mood in less then 3 seconds. It’s modern country, but it certainly puts a smile on my face.
album, but I would say its Punk Rock combined with Pop and even a flavour of dance. Then we have one song with a modern country flavour & for the first time ever on an album, I decided to do a classical track. I’ve worked with a beyond brilliant vocal coach the last 4 years, and she introduced me to classical training. I’ve dedicated one classical song to my mom on the new album and it’s received more attention then any of the other songs so far. So who knows, maybe in the future I’ll be fortunate enough to do a full classical album. You are very involved in charity work. Please can you tell us about the countries you have visited and what kind of projects do you do there… I’ve been to Cambodia, Bali, Nigeria, Singapore, Indonesia, The Philippines, London, Scotland and the USA. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I receive, since the charity work has become my number one passion. I get to go to Cambodia once a year, and I’ve seen over the years how this country have changed and grown. Besides the fact that I have my own non-profit organization, I partner with other non-profit organizations called KFCI and Musicianaries. We have a mission to give food to the local villages, any necessities that’s needed, school supplies and toys for the kids. Then we host massive concerts for up to 50 000 to 60 000 people at a time, and do TV interviews and concerts on all major TV stations in these 3rd world countries. How has the music industry in South Africa changed over the last five years? In my opinion, I’m proud to see that the music industry in South Africa are no longer competing with the international market the way it used to. We have gifted songwriters, producers and musicians here at home, and finally the public not only taking note of it, but are also proud to associate with this movement. There are world-class artists in South Africa who deserves people’s attention, not only here, but also across the world. And my hope is that these artists will get the opportunity to showcase their talent and stage presence in places like the Edinburgh Arts festival in Scotland where I’ve recently been. People need to see that we can offer just as much, if not more to the rest of the world.
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Describe your music style. I’ve created my own name for the style I do: Funky Punky. There’s quite a mixture of music on the latest
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Name one composer, conductor or musician you would love to meet. - Love to meet - David Foster - Love to see in Concert - Janis Ellis
Name one thing that you think would improve the industry. I would love to see South African music become more available online. I know that it is such a huge market in the US, but here we are still unfamiliar to the concept of buying an album or song online. There’s obviously a good and bad side to it, the bad: People will maybe only buy one song that they really like and not the full album, but the good side: you can be in the comfort of your home and buy the music you love. You also discover new music this way.
What is your most treasured possession? A little brown cowboy handbag I received as a gift from extremely special friends of mine in the States. What is it that makes you happy? Life makes me happy!! I am the happiest person I know! For REAL! I guess one of the things that brings most joy to me is my life experiences – I get to do so many crazy things that I never thought I’d EVER do – like playing Golf with the prime minister of Cambodia or driving a John Deer tractor in Washington… now, don’t get me wrong, it’s never been a dream of mine to drive a tractor. That’s why I say, I get to do things I can only dream about. My travels bring me join! People in my life, who understands me, bring me joy. New opportunities bring me joy. Giving people presents makes me smile like crazy. Every time I’m on stage with people in the crowd interacting, it brings me JOY! Kids bring me JOY! When my PR calls and says we’ve got
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an interview with RAY Magazine, it brings me JOY! What projects will you be busy with in 2011? - I’m doing my usual trip to Cambodia in April 2011. - A possible trip to Pakistan, where I’ve not been yet. - Another passion of mine is working with young girls and girl issues. I do girl camps and day sessions where we discuss Self-image, Purpose and Relationships. It’s not lectures, it’s all practical, and we do scrapbooking, T-shirt designing and professional photo shoots with the girls. It’s one of the pleasures of looking like a 16 year old right now, I get to relate to the girls and what they go through in life. - I’m looking forward to do much more community work at home. I want to start a project next year where I take groups of kids out of their comfort and show them how much fun it is to do charity and relief work. I know, just like I was hooked right away, they will be. They just need an opportunity to do something in their community. The best feeling in Life is giving…NOTHING BETTER! - I’m interested in getting even more involved in the schools in South Africa. That is definitely one of my platforms. - Building a school in Cambodia.
with musical talent in your family? I have two brothers, one’s 27, the other’s 20. I’m the middle child. My parents have their own businesses, my mom owns nursery schools and my dad has his own Luxury Bus Company. In my family I’m the first to sing, my granny on my mom’s side plays piano and is quite good at playing pretty much any song by ear. Tell a secret about yourself that no one knows about…
Oh, there’s so much more…but if I continue, I might have to add the following to my plans for 2011.. Writing a book called “Melanie’s plans for 2011”. Name one goal you would like to achieve in 2011. BE A DIFFERENCE!
Do you have any other hobbies, besides music? Absolutely! Sleeping, shopping, theatre, hiking, angling, travelling, narrating stories, movies, technology, spending time with my little brother. Tell us about your family. Are you the only one
Quotes that you live by? I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it. - Harry Emerson Fosdick. I’m the happiest person I know. – Melanie
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Who would you still like to perform with? Janis Ellis. He’s a really good songwriter/pianist/ vocalist/musical genius. I’ve got the world’s respect for his musical abilities.
Favourites: Film: Blades of Glory Programme: House Food: Chocolates Colour: Purple Song: You’re my favourite – Joy Williams Smell: My doctor’s waiting room Record: Imogen Heap Instrument: Piano Actor and Actress: Can’t decide between Hugh Larry & Will Ferrell. And female - Sandra Bullock Destination in the world: Can’t answer, it’s too difficult to choose
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Tell us a bit more about your musical education? I play guitar, do classical voice training for the last 4 years and one of my answers to an earlier question is that I’d love to learn to play piano in 2011, if I could give you two goals for 2011, that would be the other.
Wow, that’s serious!! I don’t have many secrets, and if I do, they’re other people’s secrets. Not sure they want me to share it with the world, but I do have an extremely weird little toenail. It kind of looks like a chicken toenail. Please don’t imagine it. It’s not as bad as you think.
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Who is your role model / models? It’s actually the people closest to me. I learn from my closest friends, since they know me best. I’m also grateful to my parents for the example they are in my life. And when I really need some good answers, I call on Charlotte Kronk. She’s such a remarkable person, and she’s been there for me through thick and thin. I’m fortunate to know wise people, they make my life easy.
Unfortunately the hardest decision is usually the right one. – Melanie If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. - Maya Angelou Do you do this full time or do you have another career? I do this full time, I have many other projects, but this is where I point my main focus too. Do you have any advice for aspirant musicians? Absolutely, I never thought I’d say this, BUT, It’s important to get the right training. Vocal or musical training is extremely important, not only for a little while, but for a lifetime. When I decided to invest in training, getting the best coach in the world, I invested in myself to get to where I need and want to be. I will never be comfortable enough with my voice to stop training, it’s learning and strengthening process, and has changed my life for the better. And then to grab any opportunity to sing live and get use to the feeling of being on stage and interacting with the people. That’s the best part of my job, I get to interact with a different crowd every time. It’s NEVER the same. Please tell us about your latest album: “Different.” Different is definitely different, but we’ve chosen this title because not only is the album different in style, but also that is where my heart and message is right now. If we try to be like someone else who’s made a difference, we’ll never be seen as the one to have made the difference. Therefore, we need to get out our little bubbles – the ones where we are so consumed with being connected to a certain group of people in our lives, that they dictate every move we make, and the very person we are – to get to a place where we discover who we are as an individual, and start walking on a journey from that place. It will be so much more interesting that way, trust me, who wants to do what someone else did? It’s already DONE!! I want to make a difference. The album on the other hand; the songs we wrote have a deep connection to situations that I’ve seen or been through myself. People’s comments on the album are that from beginning to end, nothing sounds the same!!
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You have performed all over the world. What has been your favourite venue to play in so far? When I was 18, great mentors of mine believed that I was called to build a church on the border of Thailand. The people from this little village church have been praying for church premises for 3 years, and these mentors of mine started convincing me to make this a project and goal of mine.
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It was extremely scary, people have been waiting and praying so long, and now the pressure was all on me to do this. Anyway, after I accepted, I finally start raising funds wherever I’d sing or perform, and it took months. I got discouraged many times. Eventually I was touring the US, and within only 2 weeks, I had raised all the funds to build this building. So the best place for me to perform at, was 6 years ago in this finished church on the border of Thailand. I will NEVER forget the smiles! You have recently returned from the States. What was it like? It was incredible. Wait, it was super incredible. I tour to the states twice a year, and the people in the States are so acceptant of my music and ministry. This time I had 16 bookings in 11 days, so when I got back to South Africa, it felt like I wanted to sleep for a year. But the fact was that we’ve once again built great relationships (extremely important to me) and we’ve reached a lot of the youth in their schools.
Just like the song my good friend Nicholis Louw and I recorded, called the Change. I love mystery, and I know anything I say I want in 10 years from now for myself, would probably undermine what God has in store for me. So I’m excited to stay on the journey I’m on right now… I’m having the time of my life. Excerpt from: The Change featuring Nicholis Louw: ‘Be the difference; make the choice inside your heart / For it is bigger than you and I and everyone / Leave a trail that our children can follow / Be the difference, be the change. We are the ones that live today / We’re the ones, we’re alive, / Trouble has come to lead us away / But we can make a difference today.’ RM Your contact details for bookings etc. Agent: Lorna: +27 82 494 5338 Website: www.melanie24.com Email: management@melanie24.com Get me on facebook: *Melanie*
You also performed at the Edinburgh Art Festival this year. What was it like? It was interesting... Ha-ha... I love Scotland, what a beautiful place. But I was surprised to walk down the street of the biggest arts festival in the world, and see people singing classical music. That would never happen here at our art festivals. People love classical music there, and that was thrilling to me, because I have such a great respect for classical music. Singing there was fun as always, it was not about my music style at all, but I have found that one thing is universal, people love being involved with the performance you’re doing. And again, people loved interacting with me as I was singing. Do the audiences differ in the various countries you visit and perform in? Please explain. Well, off course. Every country I visit, I get to see people react different to the songs. In Europe, people are fonder of ballads and I almost want to say ‘classy’ music. In Asia, they just love my music style and will always go crazy when I’m singing there.
READER OFFER 10 RAY READERS CAN WIN MELANIE'S NEW CD: “DIFFERENT”
They wave their hands and do pretty much any movement I do on stage. Then in the US, people are excited to be a part of the show… they love getting up on stage with me. In South Africa, it’s MY people, To stand a chance to win this I know the culture, know the way we like our music, and it’s so easy to relate to the South Africans and just outstanding CD, simply send an email with all your contact details have a blast every time. Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? I honestly don’t want to know that. That does not mean I don’t have goals, but I just really want to look back in 10 years from now and know that I’ve made a difference and left a trail.
to: marketing@ray-magazine.com, Subject: Melanie. Winners will be notified in person. See live interview at: www.ray-magazine.com/melanie.html
Errol Boyley
Text: Jacques Durandt Images: Errol Boyley
An artist who has the ability to see beyond the scene and capture the light. His skies are legendary and his light outshines others. An artist who paints his feelings into the painting, who captures the motion of a flying duck and grazing horses in a tranquil setting.
This very talented man was born in 1918 in Pietermaritzburg. He had a turbulent childhood and lost his mother at an early age, but his passion for drawing lifted him out of his circumstances and turned him into a very successful and well known artist.
Since early childhood he had a love for drawing and at the age of eight he won a scholarship, but at such an early age he found the tech classes rudimentary and skipped them in favour of fishing, another passion he has pursued throughout life.
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He had an interesting life and at the outbreak of the Second World War at the age of 21 he enrolled in the army. In the army het won some money in a card game and the loser, a fellow soldier, who was
a musician and guitar teacher, repaid his debt by teaching Errol to play the guitar. Errol was later discharged from the army due to an erratic heartbeat. He began playing guitar for a dance band and by day he attended drawing classes. That was his only formal art training ever. After a few years Errol gave up everything and moved to Knysna to focus on his painting career. There he met his mentor, another well-known artist WG Wiles. From there his painting career grew fast and in the late sixties he went to live in Ramsgate in KwazuluNatal and in 1978 opened the Errol Boyley Gallery. Throughout his life he held several exhibitions and his wife Jocelyn Boyley composed a book of his life called: “A Celebration of Life.� He passed away on 3 April 2007.
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Contact: If anyone is interested in collecting from this artist or for sound expert advice, Jacques Durandt can be contacted on: Tel: +27 82 454 2001
He is known for his paintings of landscapes, still lives, seascapes figures and wildlife, but his talents were far beyond. His work achieves certain tranquillity and a convincing feel of light. His work has found a place in many private homes and public companies in South Africa and throughout the world. RM
Quintin van der Merwe
Text & Images: Quintin Van der Merwe
On the 29th of September 2010,
Quintin van der Merwe from Pretoria was announced as the new Mr. Africa 2010. After 3 days of tough judging rounds, he finally made some of his biggest dreams come true; to win a national competition, to be a representative for his country, but most of all, to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate than himself. He also won 3 awards for “Best Personality”, “Best Dressed” and “Best Interview”. This 24 year old gentleman has always had the love of helping others in need of love, hope, faith and just a smile. He enjoys putting smiles on the faces of those who lost hope, putting hope in the hearts of those who lost faith, and putting faith into the lives of those who lost it all. He says that winning Mr. Africa 2010 is a real privilege and honour, and that he now has an even bigger opportunity to go make a difference. His goals for his year of reign are to get involved with - and host as many charity events as possible, and to make a difference that will last a lifetime.
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Quintin is not new to the modelling industry at all, as he’s been modelling for nearly 10 years, starting in Middelburg, the small town he grew up in. This young man has won over 40 titles to date, from
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small local competitions to big national level titles, including a 3rd place at Mr. Africa 2004, and 2nd place again at Mr. Africa in 2005. He was a top 5 finalist for the Mr. Junior South Africa in the past as well. He also has a teaching diploma in modelling, and has done several judges courses. He will be given the opportunity to enter the King and Queen of the Universe 2011 pageant, which will be hosted in South Africa. Quintin might also be given the opportunity to compete overseas next year in a modelling competition. Not only is he a model, but he also had roles in many local television advertisements and movies, of which the biggest is the Clint Eastwood film, Invictus, where he had the privilege to work with world famous actors Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. He wishes to go further in the industry, or to become a television presenter like his role model, Michael Mol. Quintin is a very positive person who always tries to create a positive vibe around him. He believes that opportunities are like sunrises, if you wait too long you will miss it. “This will be the biggest year of my life, I need to make a lasting impression and leave my footprint on the face and in the heart of Africa forever,� said the very excited young man. Quintin would like to thank Andy Le Monnier, who has always been there as a modelling agent and teacher, guiding him on his road to success. Carolyn Baldwin, from Pageants SA, for hosting such a lovely competition and giving him the opportunity to become a role model to the youth of South Africa. And exceptional thanks to his Mom, and all his friends close to him for all the support, guidance and encouragement. RM Should there be any one who needs to contact Quintin in connection with charity events, or want to invite him to an event, or would like to assist him with sponsorships for charity, he can be emailed at: mrafrica.quintin@hotmail.com or contacted on: +27 72 101 3520. He also has a facebook group under his name.
Fragile Earth
Glass Exhibition Showcases @ The Gallery at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
Text: The PR Team & Images: Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
Award-winning artist, Jeannette Unite
showcases a unique collection of transmogrified glass artwork aptly called ‘Fragile Earth’ in ‘The Project Room’ at ‘The Gallery’ at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek, which runs until Wednesday 1, December 2010. Jeannette began experimenting with glass making in 1999 and since then her works in glass have become an important addition to her deep and insightful exploration of the legacy of industrial and especially mining, as well as activities on the South African landscape. Glass, with its fragility and strength and ability to reflect and refract colour in exquisite and unique ways, clearly makes for fascinating viewing. A collection of soils, terra and terroir is incorporated into this exclusive art concept. Inspiration and visual exploration are derived from her journey to the Rift Valley, Kenya, and Simon van der Stel’s copper mine in Namaqualand, among others. In the glass, she uses volcanic molten temperature to catalyses colour.
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Jeannette Unite was awarded a Multi Panelled Public Art Project award for integration of the African Landscape into glass artworks about landscape at the Department of Science and Technology, CSIR buildings, Pretoria. She is also one of four South African artists who participated at the Beijing Biennale in September 2010 and has been invited to the Czech Republic later this year, which is well known for its magnificent cut lead crystal wine
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glasses. She has also been awarded the opportunity to present a paper in Ghana West Africa – ‘TERRA: Eco-Alchemy and the African Industrial landscape’ conference which focuses on Africa’s cultural development in the 50 years of 17 African countries receiving independence. For more details visit: www.artunite.com Also on exhibition in ‘The Gallery’ at Grande Provence, until Wednesday 1, December 2010, is the ‘Painters Who Print – Art on Paper’ exhibition, including the following artists - Kim Berman and Karin Daymond, focusing on landscapes. Johann Louw and Robert Hodgins study the human form and frailties in the work. Penny Siopis and Judith Mason examine social issues. Deborah Bell and Colbert Mashile wonder into the world of archetypes and occasionally mythical and with Pat Mautloa and Andre Naude analysing the female form. Renowned sculptors Lourens Joubert, Karin Lijnes and Wilma Cruise will also be exhibiting. RM Contact Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate For further information on The Gallery at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, please contact: Email: gallery@grandeprovence.co.za. For a preview, please call The Gallery on: Tel: +27 21 876 8630 to make an appointment. The Gallery is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10h00 till 18h00. Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate. Tel: +27 21 876 8600 or Email: reservations@grandeprovence.co.za Website: www.grandeprovence.co.za
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subjects. He captures the warmth of the African sunlight and the buzz of activity in his environment. This self-taught painter derives his inspiration from the people around him. He loves watching people in their working environment. Fishermen proudly returning with their catch; ladies slowly moving up on a hill in harmony, busy picking colourful flowers and fynbos. He observes their fluent movements, when conducting an everyday working activity, with the eye of a master and incorporates it into his works. To him the movements of the harvesters and flower pickers can be compared with the rhythm and flow of a ballet dancer.
The Original Hennie Niemann An artist with a passion for paint, movement and colour...
Nestled between the mountains and the
Atlantic Ocean in the Overberg, there is an idyllic seaside village called Onrus River. There, in this relaxed and tranquil town you will find the well known artist Hennie Niemann senior.
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His paintings are sought after because of his use of glorious, rich colours and his exceptional ability to capture the character, mood and movement of his
Some of his sought after works depict farm labourers harvesting wheat or picking fruit; fynbos pickers collecting bouquets of indigenous flowers and fisher men sorting and selling their catch. He also painted beautiful works portraying his wife and daughter and another of his favourite subjects are harlequins. A Harlequin is a nobody, a nameless person, but according to Niemann, when you look into his eyes, the nobody suddenly turns into a somebody and then the viewer is confronted with the real emotions of a complete stranger.
Hendrik Christiaan Niemann was born in 1941 in Bloemfontein where he attended school and university and qualified as a teacher in Afrikaans and Physical Education. His painting talent was reserved for after hours, but after seventeen years in 1983 he moved to Onrus River to pursue a career as a professional artist. This was a new beginning and an exciting period in his life.
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He works mainly in oil on canvas, but also uses watercolour, ink, charcoal and mixed media on paper. His art is very sought after and his works are highly prized in galleries and Auction Houses. An oil on board painting of the artist titled the Three Harvesters in a sunlit field with trees and mountains in the distance (Signed and dated 2003; Size 49.5cm x 59.5cm) sold for R99 000 at an Auction House in Pretoria in September 2009. Niemann is currently painting still lives and abstracts for his own collection. We salute this artist for his rich contribution to our country’s art heritage. RM
Contact: If anyone is interested in collecting from this artist or for sound expert advice, Jacques Durandt can be contacted on: Tel: +27 82 454 2001
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one discovers a remarkably down to earth person, living in the moment. Jenny Stroebel for RAY finds out more about the man and his work, which is a true calling. Name three compositions you can’t live without and why. The World where I live – Band; Collective Soul. They are one of my favourite bands and the lyrics and the melody touches my soul. Holes to heaven – Band; Jack Johnson He is one of my favourite singer/songwriters. This song says of how overcomplicated the world has become and how the beauty has been replaced by money and technology. Nobody lives for the moment anymore. Pride – Band; U2 I grew up with this incredible band and this song made me realise that there is more to music. You can send a very strong message in a song. Describe your personal music style as well as all the artist’s different styles currently on your books.
Text: Jenny Stroebel Images: Michael Maherry & Mozi
Sean Else
Living in the Moment
Behind every successful artist
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lingers a genius equipped with an astute knack for discovering raw talent…Sean Else is such an individual, a multi-talented musician, artist, songwriter, actor…the list goes on…The South African music scene is littered with tales of success stories of artists like Bok van Blerk and Lianie May. Despite all his accomplishments in a few short years,
My own style with my new band, 34 GRADE SUID and singing partner is sophisticated country pop. Bok van Blerk is a folk rock singer. Lianie May is a country pop singer. Vaughan Gardiner is pop/semi classic. How has the music industry in South Africa changed over the last five years? A lot. The industry has become flooded with new singers and bands. The technology has also allowed individuals to record in their garages and with sites like YouTube and iTunes; the old conventional ways of having to sign with a major record is a thing of the past. But, with the new technology comes piracy... Everyone thinks music is for free. That thought will kill music.
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A pencil. With it I can write anytime and anywhere. As a writer that is important.
What is your fondest memory of 2010? Meeting my girlfriend. Do you have any other hobbies, besides music?
What makes you happy?
Horse riding. I love it!
Living in the moment and enjoying every moment as it comes. Not living in the past or the future has become my prime focus.
Tell us about your family. Are you the only one with musical talent in your family?
What projects will you be busy with in 2011? I am shooting my first feature film called PLATTELAND, which I wrote with Deon Opperman. Johan Vorster is handling the production of the music and it is our first film for Mozi films. It will be released in June/July. I am also touring with my band, 34 GRADE SUID in May. We will do a nation wide tour so look out for us or jump onto our facebook group for all the dates. We will also be releasing Lianie May’s new album as well as Vaughan Gardiner’s album. For all these albums I also have to shoot music videos. Throughout this I will also be developing and writing new scripts. Who in this industries’ work do you admire and why? Anybody who can survive living their dreams and feeding their families. Tell us a bit more about your musical education? I studied drama at the Pretoria Technikon. We studied all the disciplines including singing and dance.
My family is very artistic and closely knit. My sister, Inge, is my art director on all my videos and will be on the film as well. My mother does all my accounting and bookkeeping and my father is sales and technical consultant but can hit a mean opera note in the shower! Tell a secret about yourself that no one knows about… Ha, ha...I watch Extreme Makeover with my girlfriend and always get a little bit emotional... Quotes that you live by? Live life now. Now is the only reality we have. Do you have any advice for aspirant musicians? The harder you work, the luckier you get. And luck only comes if you create your own chances. Is it difficult to establish a successful record label? What is the process like? I had to sell my house to finance Bok’s first CD. It is very risky and like any other business needs full time commitment and control. We are actually in the retail industry...Selling CD’s in shops. Tell us more about your partners in the business. Johan Vorster is a genius. No other words can describe the best songwriter this country has ever seen. Describe the feeling when the artists you “discovered” are doing so well, winning accolades etc. It’s like watching your children do well. It makes us very proud and grateful to be part of their success. How easy is it to spot talent in this industry? You have to know what you are looking for. It’s not about talent; it’s about the timing of the right talent. You have written or co-write some incredible songs in this industry. What is the songwriting process like?
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What is your most treasured possession?
John Mayer (ha, ha...I wish!)
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Control over free content on the web.
Who would you still like to perform with?
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Name one thing that you think would improve the industry.
You have to have a very good understanding of the other person, as you need to share the same idea of where you are going.
Deur die jare het die wêreld gedraai,
Johan and myself understand each other so well that I will think a line and he will write it, the same the other way around.
Waar is jy nou,
What is your favourite song that you have written or co-wrote and please provide us with the lyrics?
Jy was nooit vereer en niemand gaan nou,
DIE KAPLYN – (A SONG ABOUT THE ANGOLA WAR) Tussen bosse en bome, Tussen grense wag ons almal vir more, Maar op agtien was ons almal verlore, Hoe kon ons verstaan, En wie weeg nou ons lewe, Want net God alleen weet waaroor ons bewe, Want op agtien wou ons almal net lewe, Net een slag toe was jou lewe verby, KOOR Roep jy na my, Roep jy my terug na die Kaplyn my vriend, Deur die jare het die wêreld gedraai, Toe ons jonk was hoe sou ons dit kon raai, Soek jy na my, Soek jy my nou in die stof en jou bloed, Jy’t gesê jy hoor hoe God na jou roep, Toe’s dit als verby... Na al hierdie jare, Ver verlore dryf ons rond in ons dade, Net soldate leef met grense se skade, Hoe kan hul verstaan, Want daai bos vreet ons spore, In die donker bos was broeders gebôre, In die donker saam gebid vir die môre, Maar met net een slag jou lewe verby, KOOR Roep jy na my, R ay M
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Roep jy my terug na die Kaplyn my vriend,
Toe ons jonk was hoe sou ons dit kon raai,
Is jou naam dan op ons mure behou,
Oor jou lewe skryf en wat jy nog wou... BRUG En by daai mure, Staan ek vir ure, Maar waar’s jou naam nou my vriend, Kan hul nie verstaan... Jong soldate vergaan... Sonder rede dra hulle die blaam... You and your team have produced amazing DVD footage for your various artists. What was your absolute favourite to produce? Very difficult to say...We played around in different genres. But the first one we did will always be special... DE LA REY. RM READER OFFER 3 RAY READERS CAN WIN BOK VAN BLERK NEW CD: “MY KREET” 3 RAY READERS CAN WIN SEAN & AMPIE’S NEW CD: “STAAN VAS” 3 RAY READERS CAN WIN KARLIEN VAN JAARSVELD’S NEW CD: “AS DIE GORDYN VAL” To stand a chance to win this outstanding CD’S, simply send an email with all your contact details to: marketing@ray-magazine.com, Subject: MOZI RECORDS, and the artist’s name. Winners will be notified in person. Your contact details for bookings etc. MOZI ARTIST MANAGEMENT, Lindé Roome Tel: +27 12 653 7290 or 0861 11 mozi / 0861 11 6694 Cell: + 27 83 299 2858 Fax: 086 562 6465 Email: lindi@mozi.co.za Website: www.mozi.co.za
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Text: Julia Stark
Images: The Gaabo Motho Tenors
Backstage with The Gaabo Motho Tenors
Mmusi Morekhure approached actress Elzette Maarschalk in 2007, and asked her to be the Gaabo Motho Tenors’ manager, and to help them find their feet in the performance industry in South Africa. Elzette, who was already managing singer Joseph Clark, declined at first due to her own acting, producing and directing schedule, but after attending the tenors’ Valentine’s concert in 2007 and being impressed by Mmusi’s persistence, she gladly accepted. “Besides their musical talent, they have the charisma of top performers, connecting with an audience and winning them over with their innocent charm, charisma and stage presence.” She started incorporating them into Joseph Clark’s performances to introduce them to audiences in the corporate, as well as the commercial market. All audiences immediately embraced the tenors. In the last few years the Gaabo Motho Tenors have performed at a variety of commercial, charity and corporate concerts in South Africa, Uganda and Germany… e8 ssu
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Ray Magazine’s Julia Stark was blown away by the tenors’ performance at the recent REACH FOR A
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been working together since 2006. Gaabo Motho means: “where one belongs”. The group consists of Tebogo Makgwe, Mmusi Morekhure, Thabiso Masemene and Phenye Modiane. Their objective is to provide quality entertainment that appeals to a wider audience and they are certainly succeeding. Their repertoire is diverse and holistic, ranging from opera arias and traditional South African tunes to timeless R&B and pop songs. All four tenors are graduates from the Vocal Arts Department at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, and enjoy a wealth of classical experience. Their different voices blend excellently to create powerful harmonies and beautiful melodies, resulting in a rapture of classical music that is unmistakably and proudly South African. In September 2009 The Gaabo Motho Tenors entertained guests at a function in Düsseldorf as an introduction to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. They also had the honour to sing the South African National Anthem in the stadium in Leverkusen on 5 September before the friendly match between Germany and South Africa.
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The Gaabo Motho Tenors have
DREAM - GALA DINNER, held at the Protea Hotel (Midrand). She talks to this proudly South African performers and takes a look at the achievements and future goals of these tenors.
Song: Successful by Drake
Thabiso Masemene
Mmusi Morekhure
Name three compositions you can’t live without and why?
How has the music industry in South Africa changed over the last five years?
You raise me up – it always touches my heart. Samba Meu by Maria Rita – I love how she articulates. Ah! Mes Amis by Donizetti - The aria demands the tenor to hit nine high C’s in a row, a supremely difficult feat.”
I would say it has improved a bit, improving each year as a matter of fact. In our theatres a good attendance record is crucial to the well being of the arts.
Name one composer, conductor or musician you would love to meet.
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Actor and Actress: Seputla Sebogodi and Michelle Botes
Name one thing that you think would improve the industry.
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Musician Juan Diego Florez. Antonio Pappano – currently Music Director of the Royal Opera House, Convent Garden.
If people would make a conscious effort to make theatre a part of their lives and culture, like we’ve seen in the various countries we performed in overseas, especially in Europe.
Describe your music style.
What is your most treasured possession?
Our style covers a bit of Traditional, African, Opera, R&B, Afrikaans, Pop and Jazz. We sing all the famous songs by other artists from various genres, then we perform the music in our operative tenor voices, making it appealing to a wider audience.
My voice.
Favourites:
Programme: Top Gear & Top Billing
Film: Inglorious Bastards
Food: Pasta
Programme: Oprah
Colour: Blue
Food: Spaghetti & Mince
Song: Too many, can’t choose
Colour: Brown
Actor and Actress: Sello Maake ka Ncube and Julia Roberts
Favourites: Film: The Music Teacher
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Phenye Modiane
Tebogo Makgwe
What makes you happy?
Who is your role model / models?
Performing on stage and to see how our music touches people’s lives. Nothing else equals that feeling.
My grandmother, she made something out of nothing. She was only a domestic worker, but paid for my tertiary education at the Tshwane University of Technology.
What projects will you be busy with in 2011?
Who in this industries’ work do you admire and why?
We’ll be working in Netherland with Joseph Clark doing “The Queen Show” - accompanied by an orchestra. Theatre productions like Carmen by Bizet with Opera Africa at the State Theatre. Corporate functions with various companies and concerts all over South Africa.
My friend, Vuyami Mlimde. He made me realised that through hard work and perseverance in this industry, everything is possible, it all depends on how much you really want to see your dreams turn into a reality.
Name one goal you would like to achieve in 2011.
I have a B-Tech in Vocal Art: Performance. I would love to further my studies in London or Germany.
I would like to see our group growing as artists and targeting a wider audience, performing around the globe. Favourites: Film: Why did I get married too by Tyler Perry Programme: Isidingo Food: Samp and Lamb Stew Colour: Blue Song: O Sole Mio by Luciano Pavarotti Actor and Actress: Denzel Washington
Tell us a bit more about your musical education?
Favourites: Film: Law Abiding Citizen Programme: Pop Idols Food: Any food cooked by my uncle Colour: Brown and Green Song: Home by Michael Bublé Actor and Actress: Vusi Kunene and Michelle Botes RM Contact For bookings please contact Elzette Maarschalk on Tel: +27 12 332 0744 Email:elzettem@lantic.net; info@gaabomothotenors.co.za Website:www.gaabomothotenors.co.za
Willie Pretorius from “Willie en die
Wenspan” chats to Ray at Maranatha Records Company about his latest DVD: “Rockstar Live” and we discover an individual with a heart for revival for our children, aiming to bring a message of hope and make them understand the love that God has for his children, each one is unique and a winner in His eyes. Numerous children crossing his path are indeed fatherless and he enjoys fulfilling that role in the children’s lives. How did your career in music begin? As an 8-year-old boy I started playing guitar, learning from my older brother, and never stopped. Name three compositions you can’t live without and why. • Don’t worry be happy • Jesus loves me this I know • I don’t want to be a rockstar but a star for Jesus
Willie and the Cool Dudes
Name one composer, conductor or musician you would love to meet. Carmen Describe your music style. Up beat, up-tempo and music to suit our modern 2010 children. You develop a heart for the children and most consider you a father figure. Does this concept appeal to you?
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I consider it an honour to be seen as a father figure. There are lots of children without fathers and I want to love them with the love of our loving FATHER.
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You are very involved in charity work. Please can
Text: Ally Mesnard & Images: Maranatha Record Company
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you tell us about the places you have visited and what kind of projects did you do there? Yes, I am involved with a project in a very poor community, where we love them and visit them on a regular basis. At the end of the year we have a bash and give out presents and lots of love. How has the music industry in South Africa changed over the last five years? The local music changed drastically. Kids are very music wise and we need to capture them with lively beats. What is your most treasured possession? I have to say my guitar, without it I can’t sing and worship God.
Programme: Survivor Food: Steak and veggies Colour: Blue Song: Our God is an Awesome God Smell: Rain Record: Michael W. Smith Instrument: Guitar and Saxophone Actor and Actress: Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson Destination in the world: Home, everybody, everything I love is here. Quotes that you live by?
What makes you happy?
Never, ever, ever give up!
My children’s laughter.
Do you do this full-time or do you have another career?
If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be? Child abuse. What projects will you be busy with in 2011? Saving lives for Jesus and teach them about our loving Father.
By God’s grace I am almost 10 years full-time in the children’s’ ministry. Please tell us about your latest DVD: “Rockstar Live!”
To do scuba diving.
What a wonderful privilege to minister to kids. Maranatha Record Company helped me with this huge project and I know the children in churches, schools and at home are singing and praising God by singing along. RM
Who is your role model / models?
Your contact details for bookings etc.
Jesus – No 1.
Tel: +27 82 578 1224
Who would you still like to perform with?
Email: willie@willieendiewenspan.co.za
The Smurfs, I think they are cute and very cool.
Website: www.willieendiewenspan.co.za
Name one goal you would like to achieve in 2011.
What is your fondest memory of 2010? Our 21st wedding anniversary with my beloved, priceless, lovely wife, Heidi in Mozambique. Do you have any other hobbies, besides music? Yes, I am a keen golfer and I love playing cricket with the boys on my camps. Tell us about your family. Are you the only one with musical talent in your family? No, everyone sings and they are all singing on our latest DVD “ Rockstar Live.” Jessie, our eldest daughter is singing in the Gospel group “Unashamed.” My wife sings like an angel. Favourites:
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Film: Spongebob