She’s the daughter of one of the biggest stars in South African music but this year, Franja Du Plessis has started her own journey as she releases her highly-anticipated debut album. The singer’s debut single ‘Stad Van Verlange’ has already made a huge impact and has become an incredibly successful introduction to the star. This week, I sit with Franja as she opens up on her new album, her love of music and the pressure of being Juanita Du Plessis’ daughter.
You come from an extremely musical family. What is your fondest musical memory as a child?
I think it was when my parents used to play in a band in Namibia, and the children used to fall asleep listening to them play. Music is such a big part of our family!
At what point in your life did you know you want to pursue a career in music?
We grew up in a house where music played all the time, and because my parents played in the band, music always had an influence on my life. I started looking at a career in music in my high school years. I wanted to do anything that involved music: singing, song-writing and producing.
You’re the daughter of Juanita Du Plessis. Did you feel there was added pressure to succeed because of the success your mom has in the industry?
I definitely felt the pressure! My mom is one of the biggest artists in the country which I’m so proud to say. But she has more experience than me and I am just starting my career, so I can’t really compare mine to hers. But I do want to create my own footprints and be my unique self in the industry.
Your mom is one of the biggest stars in the South African music industry. What’s the biggest lesson she’s taught you?
Just to be myself and never be someone or something that I am not. To always stay humble and work hard for what I want to achieve.
You started your career singing backup for your mom with your brother. How did those years on stage prepare you for your solo career?
It helped me a lot! I am quite shy but luckily I have come out of my shell thanks to all the backing vocal opportunities, pre–performances, and also the movie “As Jy Sing” where I played one of the lead roles. All this gave me a bit of a foundation to actually walk onto a stage, and talk to the people, and entertain them and give them the best show that I can!
Your new single ‘Stad Van Verlange’ has taken off nicely. What inspired the song?
I always try to put myself in someone else’s position and try to write from there. But this specific song is about two people who were together and then broke up. But everytime they see each other again there’s just this connection between them that they don’t have with anybody else. And they realize that they belong together.
Tell us a bit about your debut album.
“My Verhaal” tells a story of my experiences and those close to me. It’s a journey through the good and the bad. I write from experiences – either my own or those of family or friends. All the songs are really special to me. I tried to write songs to cater for everyone’s taste, so I really hope there is a song somewhere on the album that people can relate to.
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