Lifestyle Arts & Culture
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Art is a continuous discovery of reality. The world we live in consumes and runs on copious amounts of artistic expression. Society is heavily influenced by every form of art. A massive vogue living of music, television, film, design, publishing, advertising, magazines, fashion, fine-art, and architecture, to name a few. God’s invisible attributes, His artistic nature, are seen in a sunset and sunrise, each day uniquely different, exquisitely beautiful, a fresh painting new every morning: each wisp of cloud, each frond of burnt orange, breathtakingly placed for maximum effect.
Text Ally Mesnard Images Nic van Rensburg
Nic van Rensburg Colour by Instinct
Nic van Rensburg is one of those multi-talented artists who specialises in a variety of art. Learning how to paint by acute observation, without formal training, Nic developed his individual style.
Starting out with a Tuscan theme in 2003, Nic developed this style until, in the years to follow, he could produce a variety of themes such as classical figures, children, wildlife and landscapes. Nic has been a full-time artist for the past 12 years. He mainly works in Oil or Acrylics on canvas and leather, but is also known for his bronze sculptures.
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The spirit of Africa comes to life through his unique work and he does wildlife commissions only on request.
In 2001 Nic was invited by the South African Embassy to exhibit his wildlife sculptures in Paris. Today, some of his work can only be seen in private collections throughout England, Canada, France, America and Australia. Van Rensburg remarks: “I use colour by instinct... Colour makes a narrative atmosphere for the paintings and gives them oomph.” My work does not ‘abstract’ from nature, it is just that all these things are in you and if you are in touch with these memories they do come out in the work... My compositions are intuitive. I start with a line, with certain ideas or feelings in my head, and work from there. Things start to happen and I think that process is reflected in the work. Humour and contradiction are all a part of it.” In this interview
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Nic shares with our readers a glimpse of his life… Please give us a bio, where you are from and how you started in this field? I started painting for a small gallery I had in Graskop, and decided to paint full time in 1995. It was a lifelong dream and a leap of faith for me to eventually do painting full time. At what moment did you first discovered your creative talents? When I was in school I drew and sculpted in the evenings at the kitchen table before there was television. I did all my classmates’ biology drawings in boarding school. Could you tell us about some of your favourite art pieces? I did life size sculptures for MP Parks’s board that was special for me and I did a lot of large paintings that was difficult to transport. I like to do larger than life paintings; something that leaves an impression when you look at it. How will you describe your artistic style? Realism with generous elements of Impressionism. What’s your strongest memory of your childhood? My father’s influence in my life. He was a hunter and a good story teller. I only have good memories that I treasure till today. What themes do you pursue in your art? Themes that people can relate to in the form of Landscapes, Wildlife portraits and close ups. What is your approach to life in general? We have only today - yesterday is a mere memory. Tomorrow is a promise, but today is a gift, make every second count! Any influences or anyone you look up to when it comes to painting? I admire Jaln Barnovich, a wildlife artist from USA. Adriaan Boshoff was and still is an extraordinary painter of Africana. Share with us something funny that has happened to you recently. I had to transport a huge painting on top of my vehicle roof. I had to stabilize it with my hands through the window and the wind nearly blew it away. 10 sue
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You and your wife are a unique team, with her overseeing the administrative side of the business. Please tell us a bit more about your family.
Describe yourself in 5 words.
My wife is the most important link in our business. Everything will go astray without her. I only want to be creative and focus on my art.
Any words of advice you may have for aspiring artists?
My eldest son Nicky is 29 and also a full time artist. He is married to Mia, a violinist. Wesley my second eldest is in modelling and Armand my youngest would like to become a professional golfer. How do you bridge the gap of the business side of art? My wife Ria handles all the correspondence immediately. It is comforting to know it is in good hands. Any illustrator, painter, musician etc if they want to develop their work, live exclusively from it and achieve the best results, they have to have a good profitability so they may take on all the projects they wish without the obstacles that having other jobs to obtain financial security. Therefore finding clients, keeping contact with agencies, galleries, editorials, etc has to be constant and focused in a commercial way, but always respecting the essence of the work. M
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Eternal optimistic, always positive.
Try and create your own ideas. I know it is difficult, but artists who have talent must be able to create their own style. What is the most important idea or message that you want to address in your art? Colourful serenity. My clients would want to stay in my paintings. The farm scenes; everybody must relate to it and feel relaxed by looking at it. Where can the public view / purchase your remarkable art? The can view it in my gallery or at most of the galleries in the country.
Contact Ria van Rensburg +27 83 313 1850 or nic.vanrensburg@telkomsa.net rm
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Such is the passion igniting each performance, evident on songs such as ‘I Am A Living Testimony’, ‘Write Me A Letter’, and ‘Mme Motswadi’ among many others found on A LEGACY: LIVE IN CONCERT. And it is this passion for the art of live performance that motivated Judith Sephuma to stage the shows through her company Lalomba Music, in order to record A LEGACY: LIVE IN CONCERT in association with The Lyric Theatre and Sony Music Entertainment. Judith Sephuma explains, “… I am that driven by performing live that I plan to continue staging my own shows well into the next year and beyond”. Judith Sephuma performed her heart out to capacity audiences, supported by a mini orchestra, and conducted by none other than Themba Mkhize who specifically arranged the music for strings and horns.
Text Nanita Chadha Images Sony Music
‘I am a living Testimony’ and ‘Living the music through Song’ THE 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION JUDITH SEPHUMA TO RELEASE LIVE CONCERT DVD ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2012 “Music is my life and it is a wonderful journey to experience - I thank God for the last 10 years of great music. I am very happy to bring you A LEGACY: LIVE IN CONCERT. I have worked with great people in my life throughout my entire career and my wish and dream is that this DVD represents class and maturity, filled with a lot of fun. Thank you to everyone who has made an effort and worked very hard to make sure the music is presented in this manner. Enjoy and be blessed. I am forever humbled!” South Africa’s venerated multi-award winning songbird, Judith Sephuma speaks passionately about her experience as a vocalist, and performer, ahead of her first live concert DVD release.
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“I have sustained a career through living the music through song” says Judith Sephuma with conviction, “I love recording studio albums, but I was raised to sing live with an orchestra - it’s all about the “live” experience – bringing the music to life, and keeping the songs “alive” through new arrangements. Each show becomes a unique experience for me and the audience.”
A LEGACY: LIVE IN CONCERT features special guest appearance by Oliver Mtukudzi on the song ‘Kupedza Nguva’ backed by an incredible line-up of musicians – all in all over 2 hours of music, in an intimate setting revealing true artistry and a real tribute to Judith Sephuma’s fans across the continent, for the support they have shown through attending her shows since the 2001 multi-platinum debut release ‘A Cry, A Smile A Dance’ and throughout each stage of her career to date.
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It’s no wonder that Judith Sephuma has sustained a successful career for so long with a deeply rooted respect for Sepedi culture and a firm belief in herself,.She has managed to expressed through her incredible vocals songs that have warmed the hearts of fans around the world, and over the last decade, taken her rightful place in South Africa’s rich music heritage. Her debut album A Cry, A Smile, A Dance.... was critically acclaimed and she later followed it up with New Beginnings and Change Is Here and more recently her forth studio album, I am a living Testimony. Let’s hear what Judith has to say. What inspired your album ‘I am a living Testimony’? ‘There was this lady, I don’t know her, and I have never met her. She said she was going through a lot in her life, you know, and she did not believe in Christ. And from hearing me speak on radio, she called in and she said “… you know what… just from hearing you speak I am going to turn my life around, and now I understand what my situation is about, and why I am going through this”. She really, really had it tough, so that’s why this song is special to me.
Judith you are an inspiration to us all. How did you manage to overcome setbacks in your life and to come out victoriously? Thank you, I am humbled. I don’t focus much on the negative of this industry as I believe that we make the industry what it is today. Focusing on what’s important is what matters to me and I believe hard work and never stepping on anyone’s toes is also important. Not taking any kind of work for granted is also what’s important. Tell us about the formal training you had in music and the steps you took to get to where you are today – A phenomenal success and a legend in the entertainment business. I trained with a wonderful woman Mrs. Virginia Davids in Cape Town and that has sustained me until
You have travelled and performed all over the world. How has your experiences been, playing in South Africa? How was the response to your brand of music, and how is it different from the response you get in other countries? The truth is in the world South Africa is loved. Our music is appreciated so much and I have performed and still perform in places where the whole venue would be full even though I am not from their country. Music is much appreciated out there. I have had wonderful memorable times performing to a 12000 audience of people who didn’t know me. You have a unique sound. Would you care to define your sound? My sound is very inspirational and what makes it unique is the way I sing my melodies and my lyrical content, I also sing in Sepedi and Zulu with a touch of Jazz elements in them. That’s special to me. What was it like to work with the renowned Kunle Ayo in producing: I AM A LIVING TESTIMONY? Kunle’ is amazing as a producer. He has a good heart
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It was such an emotional song for me but because of where it came from it sat positively in my heart until today when I listen to it, It hits home. And I believe that a lot of people out there are going to listen to the song and relate to it. It is not a bad thing to say “I am going through something”, “I need help” or “I am going through something, what can I do?” It is a good thing to say because that’s where you’re healing begins.’
today. It was not easy to be under training but it was worth it. The other thing is, knowing that your career is a business.
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So I wrote this song once off. I was driving and I sang it on my phone. When I got to the studio, I said to Luyanda… I said “Luyanga this is it! I don’t know what we are going to do with this but let’s try and do something with it”.
and he is the one who pushed me to start writing and told me to stop being lazy. I heard those words so many times that I wanted to shut him up and just start being creative. He’s wonderful to work with. Anyone who respects another idea would be great as a producer. What crucial lessons has life taught you and was it difficult to apply it in your life? Life is beautiful and we shouldn’t complicate it. I learn everyday and I will never stop learning. But I
The dresses that you are wearing in the making of your album are the brainchild of Coenie Hattingh, Head Florist and Floral Dress Creator of Franz Grabe Flower Couture. What was it like to wear these magnificent creations? It was very interesting, I had never worn fresh flowers before and I loved it. I looked so beautiful in live flowers and it’s amazing how creative people are. What was it like to work with the famous photographer Merwelene van der Merwe during the making of ‘I am a living Testimony’? It was wonderful, she is an amazing photographer and she has an eye for beauty. I love working with her and I would work with her again. She’s amazing. What message would you like to send out to your avid fans with this album? I would like them to just enjoy the music and be inspired. Judith’s favourites: Colour: Red, Blue, White, Yellow was told a long time ago to never let fame go to my head. And that statement is serious. So I pray for humility always. Who can you single out as your greatest mentor? My mom has always been that for me. Who in this industry’s work do you admire and why? I admire the work of a lot of artists, from Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Sibongile Khumalo, Gloria Bosman, Lira, Zonke, Thembisile, Siphokazi, Zama Jobe, and Wanda Baloyi; actually these are my favourite ladies of song and a gentleman. The list is endless.
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Smell: Fresh
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Genre: Gospel, Jazz, Soul Destination: Italy, Rome Fragrance: Pure White Linen, Estee Lauder LABEL MANAGEMENT maria.hadjidimitriadis@sonymusic.com +27 828242841 scooby.fassie@sonymusic.com +27 11 274 5000 Busi Thabethe; Lalomba Music - Artist Manager +27 11 487 2671 busi@lalomba.co.za
A Legacy: Live In Concert DVD Release Date: 3 September 2012 Also visit www.judithsephuma.com rm 10 sue
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My mother was a Lithuanian immigrant educator and my father a chef from Chicago. In our rural Illinois home our family had no money, no friends, no relatives, no television or radio, and our life was quite simple: long walks in nature, open conversations, and hands on explorations of knowledge. When I was four years old, I suddenly started experiencing vivid impressions about different dimensions and a great desire to express them through art utilising whatever medium was found on hand: candles, lipstick, fruits, vegetables, charcoal or pencils. Though once in a while I would share many details about the universes I was seeing, most of my spiritual experiences, however, I kept secret, so as not to overwhelm my parents. Whether people believed it was my vivid imagination or real experiences, my realistic drawings of mostly faces, impressed everybody, and during the first local art exhibitions people often had a hard time believing that I had created the work.
Text Adéle Minnaar Images Akiane Kramarik
Akiane Kramarik
prodigy, considered the youngest binary prodigy of both realist art and poetry in recorded history. Her original masterpieces have been selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars making Akiane the most successful living visual art prodigy in the world. She is inducted into the Richest Kids Entrepreneurs of America, Kids Hall of Fame and World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. Oprah has the following to say about this remarkable artist: “Akiane is a gifted and seasoned artist who is totally focused on her work. Considered one of the most versatile and accomplished fine artists of all time…” She shares with Ray her own life story. Please tell us about yourself, your background. My life began in an unusual way, with an underwater home birth in a shack on the edge of a cornfield. Although during my first years the family experienced severe hardships, I was growing up in a nurturing and unstructured home-schooling environment.
By The Light Against ocean waves My senses hold eroded canyons On a nine-mile-high cliff today I see You From different scenes all in sync Where inspiration is under construction Where I keep afloat the universe Where boat never sinks boat Where tasting sweet air and fear of heights Footsteps explore drop-offs Only from dark coal tunnels White diamonds come But only by the Light They are recognized
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An internationally recognized
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Strokes of a Genius
Soon afterwards, I plunged into the world of colours, and a few more years later into the world of poetry.
Gradually my days became filled with thinking, painting and writing, and at the age of eight I completed my first five-foot long oil paintings, mastering realism. Both the paintings and the poetry that accompany my images often were filled with riddles, symbols and codes. I choose my subjects from vastly different epochs or realms and real life models from all over the world and from all the races. Now I am eighteen, and I continue to express myself through art and poetry, trying to inspire countless lives, one person at a time. I continue publishing books and art, and helping needy families with the funds from my gallery sales and auctions. I have been truly blessed - my originals are being sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, many are valued at millions, my art exhibitions have been held in museums, galleries, halls of fame, embassies, universities, monasteries, churches, and corporations across the world. Today because of hard work and support from my family and art lovers I have over 100 published art works, 800 literary creations, two published books and almost 300 million hits a year on www. artakiane.com.
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Rebirth
What does art mean to you? The time has come for the art to bring everyone even closer than ever before - everyone loves art regardless of its genre and style and it becomes the perfect ground to stand or fly off. In my opinion - art has always awakened people from all over the world by evoking feelings and thoughts. Art lasts forever. Art is US. The harmony of arts will heal and bring everyone closer together … Can you recall the first painting that made people go WOW? It was the painting ‘’Prince of Peace’’ which I completed at the age of 8 that was and still is today my most appreciated and highly regarded painting I have ever done. Do you have any formal training regarding art? No formal training at all... If you had the option to stay home and paint all day, sooner or later you would improve your style and achieve self discipline. I had that opportunity to do just that. I learned from my own mistakes, many days were
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Love
Security of the beauty is like an eternal womb from where we break into the new finite worlds. Beauty is a delicate string playing our own harmony. What is your favourite painting, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you? There are so many but probably the most touching to me are two paintings. ‘’Metamorphoses’’- I felt I was a part of it - growing, morphing in many shapes and forms and finding myself.
What are your favourite subjects to paint and why? Faces, because without seeing or touching a face, to me, we cannot live or survive, we need to have that human contact. I especially love painting their eyes because it is through the eyes that you see their spirit and the very soul. The tools of your trade: What medium do you prefer to work in mostly and why? Acrylic... Mostly, because to me, that is the easiest to create details and enhance the colours. And once in a great while I paint in oil.
‘’Barefoot’’ - The village got raided, and all people got captured or killed except for two little children - the boy who cannot see and the girl who cannot walk.
How would you describe your painting style?
Neither could have escaped without each other’s help. The miracle of their escape is their vision and determination. The lame girl was guiding the blind boy through wide fields, forests, tunnels, stairs and
Your faith is so important to you. What message would you like to convey to the world through your art?
Akianism - a blend of visionary, realism, imagination and contemporary style.
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Define the word “beauty”!
doorways while the boy was carrying her sight. The ruins of the abandoned castle are the last safe place left for them to start a new life.
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very challenging for me even when I was not in my studio. Wherever I go I’m constantly observing and studying human and nature interactions and emotions.
Forbidden Fruit Some of us convinced ourselves that we have already found the truth, some of us are still searching for the greater power, but the ultimate truth lies humbly within each of us. Yet how will we share it with others is the ultimate challenge and gage of peace. Name three artists whose work you admire and why. I only recently started noticing and reading about different artists. Johannes Vermeer is one of my favourites, I love the way he captures the light so well, and draws the viewer to see the world through his eyes. Carl Brenders, because of his brilliance, his patience and focus on the detail of the animals. Lastly, but not least, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, because of his focus on the gentleness and purity of the female beauty.
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I absolutely can relate to one of his quotes:’’ Each day I go to my studio full of joy; in the evening when obliged to stop because of darkness I can scarcely wait for the next morning to come… if I cannot give myself to my dear painting I am
miserable.” Do you have any immediate plans for the future that you’d like to share? To travel, continue my art, publish my 3rd book, photograph, paint and also get my pilots certificate. Paintings Rebirth (Akiane Age 15) Rebirth” is a story of transformation from life to death, and from death back to life. The vines full of blossoms have surrounded slowly eroding pillars and fully participate in extending their last moments of life. Only a few of the columns are left to support the unity of decaying and crumbling structure, but by the time the architectural antique is completely gone, the rose-vine garden will stand in its place. Rebirth symbolizes a continuous restoration of matter and spirit where the end is part of further growth. As eternity rampages our destiny yesterday refuses to remember today.
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By remodelling our destiny we may forget what has been replaced.
After my prayer I began painting a young woman’s portrait next to a branch of fruit.
At a guillotine struggles take a crown of misery, and icicle eyes melt like an unsolved riddle.
Suddenly I felt God say, blend all the races, because this is Eve, the mother of all mankind.
But just like a dream being nursed to life - we are nursed back to eternity.
Right then and there, I understood the meaning:
LOVE (Akiane Age 13)
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is full of forbidden fruit: red for the knowledge of evil, the green for the knowledge of good.
The hands are portrayed as comfort and affection of love. The unborn babies, vulnerable and dependent, represent all life.
It was created to be tempting, fragrant and easy to be picked. Although the fruit resembles the grapes, it was not.
Forbidden Fruit
At first, Eve thinks that she will gain wisdom by biting into the fruit of knowledge, but unexpectedly she finds the deception as the red blood of suffering drips from the green fruit.
(Akiane Age 10) One morning I woke up earlier than usual, and right away I decided to paint, but I could not find any canvas in my studio. My family was still asleep, so quietly, still in my pyjamas, I searched my art closets and found one small canvas that I’d worked on a few years ago, but later gessoed it in black.
The knowledge of good and evil is simply too much to understand and experience for a human, and now Eve is looking up to God for forgiveness and help... Perhaps I wanted to catch it, perhaps not. rm
Metamorphoses
Hey, I’m not saying churches shouldn’t have any charity events, distribute food, offer short term help to people in need or partner with aid organizations, I just think the long term goal of any church should be long term relationships across manmade fences.
Text & Images Jaco Strydom from Echo Youth Development
From Charity to Community A lot of us give money and send stuff because we are touched by the stats we read in
newspapers or the stories of human suffering we hear in church. The problem is that stats and news stories don’t move you to love; at it’s best it leaves us with feelings of guilt or even fear. You need human contact to truly experience empathy and share a true sense of love. There is a great difference between hearing stats and seeing faces. Every now and again a pastor will phone me saying that they had a charity event at church and collected some canned food or Christmas gifts, asking if we could help by “providing the poor” - explaining that he is eager for his congregation to have a first hand experience of what it’s like “to reach out to the poor”.
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It drives me crazy, but since we can do with all the food we can get, I try to be polite. Want to know what I really think? They’ve been a church for how many years and still they don’t have any long-term relationship with people in need? And that in poverty stricken South Africa - of all places? What were they doing all these years?
I was recently invited to speak at a congregation at their annual “Aids Sunday”. As they listened to the stats I could see that they were deeply touched - some even wiped a tear. When at the end I asked if those who know someone with Aids or any of the more than 2 million Aids orphans would raise their hands, there was none. Shane Claiborne noted that the biggest problem is not that we don’t care for the poor but that we don’t know the poor. There is a difference between charity and community - and in this context I mean the typical feel good handout type of charity verses a compassionate caring community with those in need. The homeless, the lonely, the poor and the suffering need more than our charity, they need our presence. They need God’s people to connect and to at least try to understand. A caring community has a way of making people feel human again, giving them back their dignity. Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche communities, wrote a little book called “From brokenness to community”. The title says it all: brokenness is unconnectedness while healing is found in community. The number one negative emotion in most kids that come our way at our ECHO community seems to be a deep sense of loneliness. Even after basic things like physical hunger has been addressed, a dark shadow of spiritual emptiness seems to prevail. You can often see it in their eyes. We have to realise that a house isn’t necessarily a home and that even the best meal doesn’t satisfy the deepest hunger. Kids need more than something, they need someone. Charity alone just doesn’t cut it. Presence makes the difference. Doing charity does not make us as Christians unique. Everybody does it - even the bowling club down the street has an annual charity event. Handing out blankets on a cold night or canned food
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to the hungry isn’t wrong (it’s better than doing nothing), but while you’re putting in the effort, try to catch the compassion bug. Wouldn’t it be nice if in the process long-term relationships could be established? Here are a few of the core differences between the charity and the caring community approach: Something vs. Someone Jesus didn’t only send us stuff from above. He came down himself. God didn’t only send us gifts and tools to sort out our mess. He gave us a Person to join us in our struggle. We should do the same. Short term vs. Long term There is sometimes great and often badly needed short-term benefits that comes out of charity, but in the long term charity without community tends to sustain poverty (often with the only long-term “positive” outcome being that the rich feels better about themselves). Don’t be surprised if short-term initiatives have only shortterm outcomes. Guilt vs. Love My definition of charity is as follows: you give a homeless guy on a cold winter night a blanket so that you can sleep better. Community allows for the pains of real empathy. Where charity is often guilt driven, community is driven by understanding and love.
a passion for Jesus. Few though, share the passion of Jesus. His passion was people. Jesus didn’t only send us stuff; He didn’t only give us something; He gave us Himself. We should do the same. We are called to do more than just remember what He did and quote the words He said. Discipleship implies sharing his passion for people, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized. While charity might have its place in society, we as followers of Christ are called to journey deeper. We are called as His body to carry His presence in the lonely spaces of human suffering. Not only to give handouts, but to connect. Not only to send a light, but to be the light. Not only to share hope, but to be hope. Contact Jaco Strydom is the Director of ECHO Youth Development, a non-profit organization that provides support to youth in need. Visit www.echoyouth. co.za / info@echoyouth.co.za / +27 12 3312341 rm
Giving vs. Sharing It’s not so much about having a soup kitchen or not, but there is a core difference between just handing out food and sharing a meal. From a position of security vs. from a position of vulnerability Charity often happens over a distance from a position of comfort and security. Community makes you vulnerable, it demands a certain level of intimacy with those in need. We are called to move into the world of others – as Jesus did. Do this mean that individuals and businesses should never send food or money? No, it means that there should be a greater emphasis on supporting projects with a community character and less on sponsoring feel good charity handouts. It also implies that if you follow Jesus you can no longer hide behind the charitable endeavours of your business or church, you have to get involved in someway with someone on a personal level. There is something beautiful (with a real Jesus ring to it), when a professor becomes the friend of a street child; when a business executive starts making friends in the squatter camp. Imagine what it would be like if every Christian in South Africa would make a long-term community type commitment with even one person in need.
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A lot of people are very passionate about Jesus. They wear Jesus caps, listen to Jesus music and have “real men follow Jesus” bumper stickers. They have
An African Odyssey M
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Nikki Maherry In conversation with Ally Mesnard
Text Ally Mesnard Images Nikki Maherry
“Painting for me is like breathing in fresh air and living. Without my art I feel lost. Every new task is like a gracious new beginning. Colour to a painting is like sunlight to the earth.
Sabie to the mysteriousness of the Drakensberg town of Donnybrook in Kwazulu Natal. I eventually settled down in Ermelo on the Highveld region of Mpumalanga, with its lovely sunsets and hidden beauty.
The sky with all its splendour is my muse and my source from which I translate my emotions from deep within my soul.
I started painting when I was very young and as I developed in my art career I discovered my love of landscapes and portraits.
I was born in 1974 in Johannesburg, thereafter moving from town to town, from the plateaus of
Studying fine art for one year at the University of Tshwane, I found myself in the unfortunate position
of having to take over the family paint shop after my brother passed away. This coupled with a number of personal life tragedies inspired me to never quit what I loved so much.” Nikki’s inspiring work has captured the attention of both locals and tourists alike. She experienced an enormous increase in the sale of her art during the last four years. Her most recent exhibition with artists Radiante (Mozambique) & Drini Jacob hosted by SANAVA received huge accolades from the President of SANAVA www.sanava.co.za (Anton Loubser) as well as Curator (Pieter V Heerden). “I currently have works sold in the USA bought by
an art collector, Netherlands, UK & France.” “The emotions are sometimes so strong that I work without knowing it. The strokes come like speech“ Vincent van Gogh. What does art mean to you? I find it so inspiring to be able to express all my thoughts and emotions onto canvas. Can you recall the first painting you done that made people go WOW? A replica I painted of Paul Gauguin’s “TWO TAHITIAN WOMEN 1899”. Paul Gauguin’s art is a huge inspiration to me. “LIFE IS HARDLY MORE THAN A FRACTION
OF A SECOND. SUCH A LITTLE TIME TO PREPARE ONESELF FOR ETERNITY” PAUL GAUGUIN.
Who/what are your influences?
Do you have any formal art training?
What is your favourite painting, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
I believe in my work as a combination of feeling and inspiration. My work portrays brush strokes and the ability to play with colour. Where is your favourite place to live and work as an artist in the world and why? Western Cape. The tranquillity, beautiful land, seascapes and indescribable sunsets, which features in most of my work, really is a huge source of creativity. Define the word “beauty”! For me anything that evokes happy feelings is beautiful! How does your personality change when you let the creative juices flow? I would not call it a personality change, for me it is more an escape from reality.
”MICHELANGELO AND THE SISTINE CHAPEL.” His work speaks for itself. I would love to see this with my own eyes. “A BEAUTIFUL THING NEVER GIVES SO MUCH PAIN AS THUS FAILING TO HEAR AND SEE IT” MICHELANGELO. Describe a day in your personal or professional life. The privilege of having my family so close every day is enough to fulfill my life. What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis? Personally, I believe giving our daughters all the love, attention and discipline. Teaching them about life and its obstacles to prepare them for the future. Professionally, staying creative and original. 10 sue
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How technical is your art?
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I studied fine art at the University of Tshwane.
Nature, people – mostly all of God’s creations.
What are your favourite subjects to paint and why? People and Landscapes. People are all so different; everyone has a story to tell. Happy or sad. Landscapes with beautiful vibrant skies or a mysterious moon peeking out. I’m a total romantic. The tools of your trade: What medium do you prefer to work in mostly and why? I work in oils, because I love the richness of the medium. How would you describe your painting style? Expressionism combined with Surrealism. My work portrays feelings and dreams. Tell a little secret about yourself that no one knows... I can’t sing, no musical talent this side. Even my little girl of four asks me to stop. Luckily my husband’s got more talent than I when it comes to music.
Name three South African artists whose work you admire and why. WENDY MALAN - Her paintings and the dreamlike reality whispers to me and is very inspirational. “WENDY`S WORK EMBODIES THE ROMANTIC, THE SURREALISM AND SUPER REALISM, THE OLD WORLD AND THE CONTEMPORARY IN A WAY THAT PLACES THE WORK IN A CLASS AND TIME OF IT`S OWN. THE REASON WHY SHE MANAGES TO COMBINE ALL THESE VARIOUS ELEMENTS IN HER WORK IS BECAUSE SHE DOES NOT WORK ACCORDING TO THE LOGIC OF THE WORLD. SHE IS WORKING WITH THE LOGIC OF DREAMS AND ASSOCIATIONS. THE LOGIC OF THE CHILD AND THE PRIMITIVE, THE LOGIC OF THE HEART.” (QUOTED FROM
DORPSTREETGALLERY.CO.ZA IRMA STERN – I love her versatility in all mediums. GERARD BHENGU – His ability to portray facial expressions in his work. What would you have done differently during your artistic career so far and could this be an advice to others? Learn with your eyes. Take criticism and advice and never think you are better than others. I don’t think there is something I would have done differently. Live life and everyday to the fullest! You manufacture your own frames as well. Please tell us more about the process… Yes I did about four years ago. I stopped when we had our little girl. It was handmade wooden frames with special techniques and depth. 10 sue
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Where can the public obtain your amazing art or get in touch with bookings / assignments etc. Currently I’m stationed in the lovely Highveld, in a town called Ermelo, Mpumalanga. PETER +27 76 0 830 532 NIKKI +27 824 332 229 Facebook nikki maherry oil paintings Also visit www.nikkimaherryart.com rm
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Relationship Marriage Enrichment Seminars
Expectations in a Marriage 10 sue
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Text Sors & Lida Geldenhuys Images Shutterstock.com
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It is quite human to enter marriage with certain expectations which are usually not expressed or clear up front.
We all hold the opinion that our own expectations are realistic. But marriage is a union between two different people and we may not share or have the same expectations as our spouse. This may lead to disappointment and frustration. However there are solutions and ways to address these conflicting expectations. Why not come to one of our Marriage, Relationship Enrichment Seminars? These seminars render practical advice to couples on how to solve
conflict, experienced in marriage. There are ways to constructively address these challenges. It is our responsibility to work on our marriages in this way until we find an amicable solution as we are a team in God’s eyes. The degree to which reality fails to measure up to our expectations, usually determines the degree to which we feel disappointed. If disappointments are repeated quite frequently it often leads to despair and resentment.
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In our years of hosting these marriage enrichment seminars and counselling couples, we found that the differences in expectations which lead to frequent
conflict are most prevalent in the following areas: Intimacy issues, how and on what to spend money on, how and where to go on holiday, time with family, spending free time, communication styles and habits, diet, clothes, sleeping habits, pets or no pets, socialising, having children or not and how to discipline them, finances (giving, saving and investments), interior decorating, roles of the husband and wife, domestic issues like cleaning and doing the dishes, entertainment and choice of friends. Do you recognise some of these areas where expectations from one or both parties have caused
conflict in your own life? Many of our expectations are in general subconscious and never mentioned. For example, a woman gets married “assuming” that husband and wife go to bed at 10 o’clock. (After all this is what her parents did). Meanwhile the man envisions that they will stay up late and if he isn’t tired at the same time as his wife, he can stay up later (reading, listening to music or be busy with his computer. (This is similar to the role model he had as a child). The potential conflict this creates requires clever solutions. What can we do to minimise conflict cause by these expectations?
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Let’s look at some practical advice. Write everything that you appreciate, admire, like or anything positive about your spouse on a piece of paper. Share this with each other. Take turns in telling your spouse how you feel or what attracted him/her to you. Give each spouse an opportunity to convey what was written, whilst the other spouse need to listen carefully. And then you change roles. What a surprise. Stick it to the mirror, the refrigerator or wherever it will be most visible for both of you daily. Take time to glance at it daily and see how this contributes positively. Everybody wants to feel appreciated and if we as couples just bombard each other with perceived negativity, the relationship will soon become strained. Consider the following comparison: A Vulture and a Hummingbird are flying over the same territory; what does the Vulture and the Hummingbird both see? Well the one looks for carcasses and the other for flowers. I am sure that the Humming bird do not even see the carcasses and the Vulture do not see the flowers.
Do away with unrealistic expectations. If you both utilise your entire salary and above every month, to cover living expenses, it is not realistic to expect that you are going on holiday at a villa at the south coast every year. Be more reasonable, lower your expectations a little and be really creative with how, you may equally enjoy a less expensive holiday somewhere else. Distinguish between demanding and hoping for something. Learn to be content. Be appreciative of what you have. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Those with the long “wish lists” tend to be the unhappiest people. Be willing to be more accepting. Heb 13:5: “and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, Php 2:4: “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own. Php 2:5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: Rom 15:1: we ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves.”
Take turns in telling your spouse how you feel or what attracted him/her to you. We have a tendency to see what we are looking for. Therefore if we are wearing blue spectacles, figuratively speaking, the world will appear blue. Focus on the positive and make a remark about it and subconsciously you will see this becoming the focus. Just bear in mind that you do not solve a problem when one or both of you are angry! Also try the following frequently: Share your expectations with each other, which you have also written down, after you have shared the positive things you wrote down.
Rom 15:2: Instead, we should all please others... for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. Rom 15:7. It is very wise to use this principle when discussing expectations
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Stubbornness won’t further your cause. It may lead to a breakdown in communication that lasts days, a volatile home environment, which are never good for the couple or the children and eventually resentment by all parties involved will follow.
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Both parties need to be willing to compromise a little and put their own needs second. For example, if the wife wants to display “beautiful” pictures of her grandparents and her husband would rather display the stuffed heads of his slain Buffalo collection gathered from his hunting trips, some compromise is required.
with your spouse. It is this principle that you must apply in everything that you discuss with your mate. Be willing to put your partner’s interest first and set an example of regularly making time to talk to your partner.
the remainder of the year (2012):
Always reflect on what you have learned as a couple from solving things amicably and discussing problems when both parties are in the right frame of mind and not upset. It is not just what you have experienced, but what you have learned.
Couples Seminar (Also follow up on Marriage Preparation Seminar)
I challenge you to start building bridges and break down the walls, instead of being safe behind high walls (where you will never be known). Do this prayerfully under the leading of the Holy Spirit as your “Councillor” and you will be amazed how your relationship changes.
Singles Seminar
Rom 15:5. And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus. Rom 15:4 & 6: “Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which God’s Word provides. So that you together may praise in one voice the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You will be amazed how your partnership changes for the better!
Marriage Preparation Seminar for couples 31 Aug to 2 Sept, 14 to 16 Sept, 19 to 21 October
8 to 12 August, 28 Sept to 02 October, 7 to 11 December Singles Follow up Seminar
30 Nov to 4 December 28 Sept to 02 October
9 to 12 August,
Other Seminars: Teenager Seminar 28 Sept to 02 October (Kwaggasrus) 10 to 14 December (Oudtshoorn) For more information on these and other seminars contact Sors & Lida Geldenhuys +2712 546 8098
Why not join us on one of these marriage enrichment seminars and strengthen your relationship with some practical advice based on biblical principles.
+27 832 516 725
The following seminars are available for booking for
Visit their website: www.lewensverryking.co.za rm
info@lewensverryking.co.za
Always reflect on what you have learned as a couple from solving things amicably and discussing problems when both parties are in the right frame of mind and not upset. M
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But Dr. Rey is even more remarkable and charismatic in person. He is also amazingly humble and treasures his relationship with his family and God. Dr. Rey’s positive outlook on life is definitely contagious. Although he currently resides and practice in Beverly Hills, he is originally from Brazil and here is a short clip from his book, “Body by Rey” in which he reveals his secrets to shaping your body without surgery: ‘Growing up I was frequently reminded that I was the least attractive child in a family of two sisters and two brothers. Furthermore, I was the last student to learn to read in my first grade, inner-city, public school class. Despite this rocky start I was able to soar to great professional and personal heights. How? I believe in myself. As we look back in history, rarely has success gone to the most beautiful, richest or most intelligent. Some examples: Moses struggled with a speech impediment yet his mission was to communicate to the masses. Napoleon was short and not of the French aristocracy, yet he went on to lead a country. Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before Text Nanita Chadha Images Michael Maherry
Body by Rey
R eality is only limited by our belief in ourselves At Ray Magazine we had the wonderful privilege of meeting Dr Robert Rey,
the famous plastic surgeon, from Beverly Hills, California when he visited South Africa to introduce his new book,” Body by Rey”. Dr. Robert Rey specializes in MINIMAL SCAR Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rey brings to Beverly Hills, from Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess fellowship, the absolute latest minimal scar, endoscopic, fiberoptic and laser techniques. Through treating a large number of film, television and fashion industry patients, Dr. Rey is keenly aware of the importance of minimal or no scars and is highly dedicated to a natural look.
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I am sure all of you are familiar with his show on television, in which he illustrates how his operations transform the bodies of many in the States.
getting the light bulb to work consistently. Abraham Lincoln struggled with depression and was still able to change the face of slavery. Einstein had difficulties at school and went on to give us understanding into some of the greatest scientific theories in history. These leaders believed enough in themselves to overcome adversity. Success comes down to believing in ourselves. When we defeat ourselves with negative attitudes, we foil our self discipline. When we foil our self discipline, we erode our self esteem. When we erode our self esteem we lose our self confidence. When we lose our self confidence, we cannot achieve even a fraction of our natural potential. Attitude is the key to success.’ What is the motto you live by? We must eat like our ancestors did if we want to achieve a Wow body.
My book, “Body by Rey” contains practical principles to live by, which I personally follow. In order to be all we can be, we must look after our health, body, mind and spirit. It is also a simple guide to attaining optimum physique and a healthy, energy-filled lifestyle to counteract the aging process. The book presents a plan for how to take your “NOW” body and transform it in to your personal “WOW” body using simple diet and exercise techniques. It is sold exclusively at selected CNA stores nationwide and retail for R239-95. Are you planning on expanding your existing health care range? Apart from the current Sensual Solutions Skin Care range, I also want to add more skin creams, shampoos, lingerie and also introduce these to South Africa. Sensual Solutions Skin Care products are exclusively to selected Edgars and Red Square stores. What did you enjoy the most about your visit to South Africa? You are a beautiful rainbow nation, you have beautiful woman, some of the architecture I managed to view are awesome and you have a beautiful country. What advice would you give to someone born in difficult circumstances? Dream big, think big! Everything is possible to him that belief. We are our own worst enemy because we limit our thoughts and ultimately ourselves. The three most valuable lessons your personally apply in your life are? I Believe in my God. I Have a concept of not living a mediocre life. Be positive, do not limit yourself by thinking and speaking negativity. “Body by Rey is an excellent book and provide principles to be healthy, physically, spiritually and mentally. Definitely a must read! It will change the way you look at your life forever. Contact
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Brand Ambassadors -Thulane Hadebe
We must go back to how our ancestors ate. Lean meat, fresh vegetables and fruit and exercise (even just a little daily).
Thulane@brand-ambassadors.co.za
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What is the message you would like to share with South Africans regarding their health?
+27 11 021 5998
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Unearth the power of Acappela music The Soil comprised of three young Acappela singers from Soweto – Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, Luphindo Ngxanga and Buhlebendalo Mda have had an incredible run of success since the release of their debut album through a joint venture between Native Rhythms Productions and Sony Music. It is very rewarding to have true talent recognized, especially when it comes from local and international experts in the arts. With their music they aim to bring a message of hope to the audience, by telling the audience about daily issues and still producing an original sound. This is what the Acappela group, The Soil, is all about. Having featured in the Fringe programme with their performances at the Library Hall, the Soweto-based ensemble aims to heal the audience with their music. It started off with 20 or so members who met approximately six years ago, while they were
Singing in after-school jam sessions on Fridays, they honed their sound and now the ones that are left, Luphindo Ngxanga, Ntsika Ngxanga and Buhlebendalo Mda say that their other member is God. The group performs without musical instruments, with the back-up being beat-box sounds of their own making. Ntsika Ngxanga says “we have never had access to instruments as artists so we made our own instruments.’ This group recently received a Standard Bank Ovation after a series of Grahamstown Arts Festival performances. ‘Sedilaka’ off their self-titled debut has also been secured for placement on an international film starring Halle Berry (Dark Tide). It features in the body of the film for over 2 minutes in a stills and video montage of the main character (Halle Berry). Dark Tide was shot in the United Kingdom and in Simonstown and Seal Island, South Africa. Their first single was ‘Joy’ (We Are Family). Julia Stewardt from Ray spoke to The Soil for a peak into their world. The following members contributed: 10 sue
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The Soil
learners at Tetelo Secondary School in Protea North.
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Text & Images Julia Stewardt; Sony Music
Ntsika Fana Ngxanga (NFN); Luphindo Ngxanga (LN); Buhlebendalo Mda (BM) Describe the moment when you won the Standard Bank Ovation Award. What was it like? What went through your mind? NFN: It was beyond remarkable and I tried so hard to hold back the tears as I jumped for joy. Tell us more about your background? Are you close to your family? NFN and LN: (Brothers) we grew up with our paternal grandmother in Meadowlands; during our primary schooling years she taught us everything that we know and instilled great values in our hearts and the love for music came from everything and everyone that surrounded us. BM: Mine is not one of the best backgrounds, but through the love and unity of my siblings we managed to survive. My brother and sisters are very close to my mother. We sometimes call each other “shlobo” - the bond we have can only be broken by God. I love my family a lot! At what age did you know you wanted to pursue music as a full-time career? What events led to this decision? LN: I grew up in a musical family, and that made me believe that it is possible for me to venture more in to the music world, and meeting the guys that were then members of The Soil at high school events made my dreams about living a life with music reach new heights. At the time I was around 16 years of age. Who had the biggest influence in your career by far?
Please describe your sound to us. Extremely Angelic…very heavenly, sacredly unique! Are there any artists in your music genre that you admire? NFN: Since we are the only ones in our genre, Kasi Soul for now, I also listen to the late Amy Winehouse, John Legend, and the late gogo Miriam Makeba... just to name a few. LN: Simphiwe Dana, Governor and Adele. BM: Camagwini, usisi Thandiswa Mazwai, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Simphiwe Dana, Gloria Bosman... and the late mama Busi Mhlongo. What can your avid fan base expect from you for the rest of the year? Out of this world live performances. They must expect the unexpected! Contact Interview requests Sony Music Entertainment Africa +27 11 274 5000 Booking and Management Enquiries Native Rhythms Productions
Where did the name of THE SOIL originate from?
+27 11 325 2632; +27 11 325 2641
You had an incredible run of success since the release of your debut album (6 June 2011). In which way did your life change? NFN: Increasing awareness of our music has brought recognition from people within and outside the music industry - we are also finding that we being noticed by people out there as they stop us and tell us how much they love and appreciate what we’ve been blessed with.
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BM: Adrenalin got the better of me. I had mixed emotions. God indeed exists, thank you!
BM: GOD.
From the strong belief we have - the one that stems from knowing that we are mediums that God created using the very soil through which He intends to pass messages of hope, love, courage and faith amongst many. Amen.
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Sedilaka’ off your self-titled debut had been secured for placement on an international film starring Halle Berry (Dark Tide). Describe the feeling and emotions you experience while hearing the extraordinary news.
Live performance bookings are to be directed to Native Rhythms Productions. rm
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been to France, Holland, the UK, Nashville, Russia, Mozambique, Australia and other places finding that the heart of worship would be the only way to cross cultural and language barriers. Riana won best pop album of the year at the Huisgenoot Tempo awards! She has had 4 nr 1 hit singles in less than 11 months off her latest album “Die Moeite Werd”. This is one they would call a must have! We had a closer look. Who is Riana Nel, the person, the artist and who had the greatest influence in your life? I’m just a girl who loves singing and finally figured
Text Nanita Chadha Images CO Productions
Crossing cultural and language barriers through music. Riana Nel is a South African artist who needs no introduction. I personally recognised this
remarkable talent when close family chose her “Be the Centre” track for their wedding. The song really expressed the heart of the singer and people were in awe as His presence could be felt in a tangible way. It was an immense spiritual moment for me. However for those of you who have not yet heard about her, she was born in Namibia and after growing up in Windhoek, she moved to South Africa to start her career as a South African singer / songwriter.
She has written songs for Juanita Du Plessis, Bobby Van Jaarsveld and for Lianie May’s most recent album, ‘Lank Lewe Die Liefde’. Riana Nel has shared a stage with her sister Nianell, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Lianie May and many more. She has
The worst thing that can happen to anyone is to be promoted before the time is right! I feel so ordinary in a life so exciting! Born in Namibia and singing to prostitutes in the hotel lobby at 1 am in the morning to being on a stage singing in front of 200 000 men at the mighty men’s conference! What I can say about myself is... What you see is what you get. I am the same on and off the stage! I’m the best me when I’m just myself! This reflects through my song that I wrote, I’m real and honest and sometimes it bites me to share so
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Her latest album “Die Moeite Werd” appeals more to the secular market and has reached Platinum status and continues to top South African Music charts. Riana has also starred in the Afrikaans movie, ‘N Saak Van Geloof’ alongside her co-star Robbie Wessels, the well acclaimed South African singer / songwriter comedian.
out what I want to do with my life! It feels like I’ve been everywhere and like I have been through so much to train me for the life I’m living now.
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Her songs have been described as including elements of “Pop & Country”. She had firmly placed her roots in Gospel music on release of the albums; “Oopmond”, “The Cure”, “Someone With Skin” and won many awards including the “Crescendo award” in 2000.
much but I can’t be what I’m not. Just like Sheryl Crow, Sarah Mclaghlan and any great country singer songwriter... If you don’t own your music and believe what you are saying, it will never have the impact that it needs to have! You mention on your website that you need to put His Bride above your dreams. How did you managed to get to a point where His Will for your Life takes priority in your career? The day I realised that my career is more kingdom than anything else and it’s not a career but living out His purpose for my life! I get to reach so much more people now than when I was only singing in churches. When you are evangelistic you need to get out there! What or who inspired your album “Die Moeite Werd” and what is the overall message and goal of the album?
Any upcoming events that you would like to share with us? The Gospel skouspel the 1st September in Grand West Cape Town and the Afrikaans is Groot show in Moreleta Auditorium in Pretoria are going to be highlights for me. What advice would you give young and upcoming Gospel musicians in SA? Be real! Consider the people who need to hear your songs and believe in your songs, and then people will believe in them! And know that only God promotes, not man! He opens the doors that no man can shut! Work hard and give it your best! That is good enough for Him! He will do the rest! I thank God for this gift and that I get to enjoy it in this way! Amen!
“Die Moeite Werd” is my first mainstream album after three gospel albums. I want as many as possible people to hear the songs and be encouraged by them! For some reason the gospel songs never got the chance they deserved, so although the message didn’t change, the label did. This means that the message and goal of the album is to encourage and bring hope again. Just being real and authentic, not trying to have it all together but also knowing where to get help. My heart still loves my Jesus and my music confesses it! But everyone gets to hear it now! Over 65 000 albums sold already and I know it’s my heart that people now have in their hands! Hope they take care of it! You have written songs for yourself and other artists, is this something you think is important for an artist to be able to do? I love writing my own songs because I know I have something to say. Writing for other artists is fun, you get to climb into their characters and write what they would have wanted to say! It’s a little like acting. This way I get to bring a positive message through more than one channel! This track I wrote in a little stuffy room in Kings Langley England in my lowest moment ever. I never thought that this song would be the one I would sing in front of over 200 000 people. This song is the very reason for the album! What do you do when you are not busy producing songs? How do you spend your free time? I love spending every free second with friends. They shape me and teach me and they end up being my muses! M
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CONTACT Corne Oosthuizen corne@coproductions.co.za +27 83 380 3810 ; +27 12 751 3601 Web www.coproductions.co.za; www.riananel.co.za
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