{"id":10044,"date":"2020-04-24T15:43:37","date_gmt":"2020-04-24T13:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/?p=10044"},"modified":"2020-04-24T15:43:43","modified_gmt":"2020-04-24T13:43:43","slug":"afrikaans-artist-pays-tribute-to-janita-claassen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.samdb.co.za\/blogs\/blog\/2020\/04\/24\/afrikaans-artist-pays-tribute-to-janita-claassen\/","title":{"rendered":"Afrikaans Artist Pays Tribute To Janita Claassen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Afrikaans soprano Belia Lourens\u2019s latest album pays tribute to one of Afrikaans music\u2019s greats. Containing a classic collection of Janita Claassen songs, BELIA SING JANITA CLAASSEN offers a fresh approach to familiar songs and is sure to appeal to fans of both incredible artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wanted to pay tribute to Janita Claassen as she was an exceptional person who could communicate openly and honestly through her music. I didn\u2019t want that to get lost \u2013 I wanted to revive and relive it,\u201d says the singer about her decision to record the album, which was seven months in the making. \u201cI chose these particular songs because they are emotive and touch every aspect of our lives. They are everyday songs about the things that matter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The album is a mix of memorable and sentimental songs, including ten Janita Claassen hits, two Belia bonuses and one classical track. \u201cThe music simply speaks to you and as the songs are quite nostalgic, I believe people will enjoy it. I hope that listeners will be touched by the songs and that the messages will resonate with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While each song was specially selected, Belia does have a few favourite tracks. \u201cI love \u2018Re\u00ebndruppels\u2019 as I can visualise people revelling in the rain and being grateful for every drop that falls, while \u2018Hardloop my Kind\u2019 is a tribute to every child about the enter adulthood. Likewise, \u2018Oorwinter\u2019 is for every child living abroad, while \u2018Lied vir Ma\u2019 is especially for my mom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being an incredible opportunity, working on the album was not without its challenges. \u201cPerhaps the biggest challenge of all was to sound like Belia while paying tribute to Janita,\u201d the singer admits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The classical South African singer from Porterville in the Western Cape describes herself as a late bloomer. Despite growing up in a musical household, she only started studying music at the age of 34 and completed her training at the Stellenbosch Conservatorium. She has been involved in the music industry for more than two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During that time the industry has taught her several valuable lessons, including that it takes hard work to be sustainable. \u201cSinging is my breath; it is not something I can do for just one season of my life. So, I have learnt that I can\u2019t allow fluctuations in the music industry to influence me. Music is a magical language and someone, somewhere will agree with a note or two.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another great challenge, says Belia, has been to believe. \u201cAt night, it is just you and your creative thoughts. To realise your dreams takes blind faith \u2013 you must get up every day, start fresh and look forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shares two events that truly stood out in her career. \u201cMy first performance at Aardklop was early in the morning. The terrain was deserted; the only people around were those visiting the exhibitors. I stood in front of rows of white chairs while the technicians tuned the sound to my voice. By my second song the white chairs had turned into people. People heard me and they came.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI also had to perform on the RSG stage at the KKNK during what was overwhelmingly a pop era. I had to perform \u2018Kom Dans Klaradyn\u2019, with my light classical approach, and was petrified that people would get up and leave. But as I sang the empty spaces started filling up. That day I learned a few things: Believe in what you do and convey it to the best of your ability; there is room for all genres; and be who you are \u2013 no one can sing like anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The singer often performs at women\u2019s events with her solo production, \u2019n Skatkis vol juwele. She was also Manuel Escorcio\u2019s singing partner for four years, during which the duo performed their show, Sy en Satyn, more than 200 times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belia\u2019s dreams for the future include being able to perform not only in South Africa, but also for South Africans in other countries, as well as for the Belgians. She would also love to collaborate with Jo Black. \u201cAdmittedly, it would be a bit outside the box, but I think our voices could produce something very interesting together. I like his outlook on life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seems that for the singer, who has already released a number of albums, including Kom dans Klaradyn, Leef met my eie liedjies, and Die Kroon van die Skepping, and who has raked in a number of award nominations, the sky is the limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belia concludes: \u201cMusic is the sum of my existence. It is obedience to God\u2019s command.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALBUM TRACK LIST<\/p>\n\n\n\n