After years of dreaming and working hard, the talented singer-songwriter from Pretoria, Fouché Wessels, finally made his official debut in the music industry with his very first single and music video, HIER BY MY.
The seed for this meaningful pop song was actually planted in 2014, but the song only took form after the first church service he attended with his friends in 2020 after lockdown restrictions were relaxed.
“On the way home after church, the Afrikaans version of the words ‘If your heart longs for something, only that can heal your heart’ stuck in my head. My varsity buddies have had such a great influence on my life that I could not help but write a song about it,” the musician explains.
Because he wanted to remain true to himself and show who he really is, it was an easy choice when he had to decide which song, from his arsenal of original music, he wanted to make his big debut with.
“With this single, I poured my heart into a song, and I feel that you should always stay true to yourself and what you believe in,” he explains. “I think listeners will like it because it is simple and meaningful, and also because it is a good dance track.”
Rian Swanepoel produced the song, while Danie Pretorius and Rudi von Alleman were responsible for creating the music video, which is now also available.
This lyric video was filmed in Wessels’ parents’ garage and the aim was to keep it as simple and creative as possible.
He adds: “Because it is a lyric video, I wanted the words to speak for themselves. I think it’s something completely different because there are few such videos available these days.”
He started sharing videos of himself singing on social media in 2014, hoping to be discovered, and started gigging more frequently towards the end of 2020 when he got the opportunity to perform at Texas in Potchefstroom. This was a dream come true for Wessels, who studied law at North-West University.
Fouché has been involved in various music projects since his school days, including being part of the choir and Garsfontein’s musicals from grade 9 to matric. He also participated in Veritas Manskoshuis’ serenade group and was part of two groups that won their annual campus competition.
The 26-year-old musician cites Jakkie Louw, a South African legend, as his friend and mentor, and has had the privilege of singing with him at shows and performing opening acts for him. Ed Sheeran is another artist that Wessels admires for his songwriting and ability to sell out stadiums.
Wessels’s music taste spans from Zinkplaat to Frank Sinatra, and he is heavily influenced by Theuns Jordaan. He would also love to collaborate with Louw and Bobby van Jaarsveld someday.
As a musician, the biggest challenge is undoubtedly making a breakthrough in the industry. However, it does not end there.
“Since I was a child, doctors knew that there was something wrong with my eyesight, but it wasn’t until grade 8 that a specific diagnosis was made: optic atrophy. But I refuse to be defined by my condition. Instead, it serves as a driving force for my success.”
Signed by the widely known, Kosie van Niekerk from Platinum Music, Fouché’s plans for the future include establishing himself in the local music industry and with a unique song like HIER BY MY, he is definitely on the right track.
“I want to inspire people and give them hope because I know what it feels like to be encouraged and inspired,” he concludes.
HIER BY MY is now available on all digital streaming platforms. Get it here: linktr.ee/fouche.wessels
