Well-known gospel singer, Arnold de Wet, has just released his first single through THE SHELTER, a brand-new Praise and Worship platform forming part of the acclaimed Afrikaans record label, Inhoud Huis Musiek.
THE SHELTER is the brainchild of Johan Vorster and Jacomien de Villiers, and is a platform that will focus on creating and distributing modern worship music.
“The idea is to give local Praise and Worship leaders the opportunity to work with Inhoud Huis Musiek to get their music out there,” explains Johan, who has produced several award-winning albums for well-known secular artists such as Bok van Blerk, Lianie May, Dewald Wasserfall, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Appel, Roan Ash and more. “We also want to write and produce new spiritual music that can be used in churches and worship centres across the world as part of their sermons.”
Arnold is the first artist’s music to be released on this platform, with plans for Bernice West to follow soon thereafter. Apart from Johan and Jacomien, Robin Keilly will also be working as a full-time producer on this project.
“Arnold is a trained pastor and Worship leader, currently in the ministry. It was important for us to enter the market with someone who has sound knowledge of The Word, someone who writes their own music that exudes the anointing of the Holy Spirit,” says Vorster.
THIS IS WHO I AM WITHOUT YOU is a combined endeavour by Arnold, Johan and Jacomien, inspired by a dark period in Arnold’s life, during which he realised how much he needed God.
Watch this short video, with a special message from Arnold that relates to the single:
This contemporary Christian track was completed in 2021 and has an uplifting message that will remind listeners to focus on what’s important.
According to Johan, this song contains the perfect ingredients with which to launch THE SHELTER: “It makes a powerful statement that we are lost without the Grace of God and that we do not have to rely on our own abilities to accomplish anything, and its commercial melody is the perfect ear-worm which will get stuck in your head for quite some time.”
The track’s music video, filmed by Dan and Jannes from Fokkid Media in Verneukpan, can already be seen on television. “Verneuk” means to trick, mislead or swindle, and the name was given to the pan due the fact that many people have underestimated the terrain and have lost their way on their journey, which ties in perfectly with the theme of the song.
“The pan stretches for kilometres on end, and evokes a feeling of emptiness and abandonment,” shares Arnold about his idea behind the video. “It is an amazing place that everyone should try to visit at least once in their lives.”
Arnold grew up in Hartbeespoortdam and is the son of the well-known singer, Jan de Wet. Growing up, he was always surrounded by musicians, which ignited his passion for music.
He entered the music industry more than two decades ago with the release of an album through former record company, Maranatha, after which he set aside his music dream for seventeen years.
It only reignited recently, and after recording his previous single, Run, he crossed paths with Inhoud Huis Musiek, who approached him to form part of their new project.
“I feel privileged to be part of this platform and look forward to creating wonderful content for the local and international Gospel market. Our goal is to transform the songs in our hearts into theme songs for churches across the world,” says Arnold about the prospect of being involved with THE SHELTER.
THE SHELTER is adamant about changing lives through music, and with songs like THIS IS WHO I AM WITHOUT YOU, they are definitely well on their way towards accomplishing this.
Download it here: https://TheShelter.lnk.to/ThisIsWhoIAmSingle
