The challenges faced during lockdown have resulted in a brand-new album by South African singer-songwriter Anne-Marie van Eeden. Titled OPTELWOORDE, the album is centred around the theme of words and seamlessly blends poems and Bible verses with folk, soft jazz and even rock, culminating in what can truly be classified as world music.
“During lockdown I decided to try and use my forced downtime to create,” she explains. “Home alone with my piano and books, I started reading. I resolved to read until I found something which truly stirred me. I would then take those words or that poem, move to the piano, and attempt to transform it into a song. I picked words from various poets, including Koos van der Merwe, C. Louis Leipoldt, and Annie Johnson Flint, as well as passages from the Bible. Hence the title of my new album.”
The album, which was produced by Helmut Meijer, has been two years in the making and contains ten new songs, nine of which were penned by the singer-songwriter herself. One of Anne-Marie’s favourite songs is Ek Is Hier, the release of which coincides with the album’s launch.
The song, a duet by Anne-Marie and Prophet’s Koos van der Merwe, was penned by Koos, with Lizanne Barnard, Anne-Marie’s twin sister, providing the melody. “I generally write my own music, but with this poem I simply couldn’t find the right vibe,” explains Anne-Marie. “I reached out to my sister in South Africa and the next day she sent me a melody. I immediately knew that it was the one!”
The artist believes that Ek Is Hier, the third single off OPTELWOORDE, her fifth album, will resonate with listeners for several reasons. “The track, with its meaningful lyrics and beautiful melody, is totally unique to the Afrikaans gospel genre. Although spiritual, it undoubtedly speaks to a broader market.”
Other favourites include the rock track Waarvoor Is Jy Bang, which speaks to people’s fears and challenges, and which makes it impossible to keep still, as well as Ek Ken Genade. Inspired by Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Anne-Marie has given it a new identity by combining the words of Koos with the incredible work of violinist Veronica Bell.
Having achieved great success with previous music videos, Ek Is Hier too will be complemented by one, which was produced by Charl du Preez and in filmed in Helmut Meijer’s studio. The video shows Anne-Marie and Koos, recording in studio and philosophizing about life over a glass of red wine.
Watch the video here:
What makes her music extra special, says Anne-Marie, is that she has been privileged to have the support of amazing European and South African instrumentalists over the years, including Olivier Ker Ourio (chromatic harmonica), Matthieu Michell (trumpet), Calen Gale (flute), Schalk Joubert (bass), Vinnie Henrico (drums), and Philip Holder (saxophone).
“I am incredibly blessed to have worked with the most amazing musicians over the years. Each incredible in their own right, they have used their experience and skills to bring my music to life.”
The South African singer-songwriter released her debut solo album Kyk Op in 2003. Although she has released a string of albums, won two Lier Awards (2008) and has been nominated for a Ghoema (2017), she says that the highlight of her musical journey is the feedback she receives from people whose lives she has touched through her inspiring music.
In addition to being a singer-songwriter and inspirational speaker at women’s gatherings, Anne-Marie, who grew up in Pretoria, describes herself as a mother (and grandmother), teacher, choir director – she has founded two children’s choirs abroad – and a member of the women’s ministry KeeperSoul.
Her music can be labelled as world music – a unique crossover between classical, jazz and folk sounds. While she writes her own music lyrics, in Afrikaans and English, she is also known for her skilful and fresh approach to setting the poetry of beloved South African and other poets to music.
Her style has largely been influenced by artists such as Sting, Queen, Billy Joel, and Herman van Veen says Anne-Marie, but she enjoys listening to jazz and classical music, as well as Latin-American rhythms at home. “I love dancing to the latter with my dog – when no-one is watching, of course!”
Besides preparing for the launch of OPTELWOORDE, Anne-Marie has been very busy this past year. Not only did she create the theatre production, Lig Vir ‘n Wegloopsiel with Koos van der Merwe, but she also worked on an exciting project, Scatterlings Collective, with some fellow South Africans.
“After realising how many South African artists reside in Switzerland and across Europe, we came up with the idea of hosting concerts involving expat South African artists together with local talent. The first event was held in Switzerland and the follow-up event took place in the Algarve in Portugal, where there is a big South African expat community.
Anne-Marie is well-known for her unconventional contribution to the Afrikaans music industry, and OPTELWOORDE does not disappoint.
The album is available for download from: https://AnneMarieVanEeden.lnk.to/Optelwoorde
TRACKLIST:
1. Optelwoorde
2. Ek is Hier
3. Waarvoor Is Jy Bang
4. Son Bijou
5. Wys My Die Plek
6. Ek Ken Genade
7. Let Us Come Boldly
8. Nothing Can Separate Us
9. He Gives More Grace
10. Almal Wil
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annemarie.vaneeden.5, https://www.facebook.com/AnneMarievanEedenVerhaal
Instagram: @annemarievaneeden
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/songave/featured
Website: www.annemarievaneeden.com