Willem Botha has become one of the most well-known faces in the Afrikaans music industry and has girls flocking at his knees on a daily basis. He has just released a new single titled ‘Iemand As You Hart Breek’ which has topped the charts on several radio stations. I caught up with the pop star and chatted to him about his new single, new music and performing on stage.
You’ve sung for many years now, what is it about you that seems to have people hooked?
Wow, that’s a difficult question. I think it’s because what you see is what you get. People can relate to me and therefore identify with my music. I just do what I do and don’t get swallowed by the fuss of this industry.
What music are you listening to right now?
I just bought myself Taylor Swift’s new album called ‘1989’. I’m a huge fan of country music and music that tells a story and she does that perfectly.
You performed on theatre as well. Was this always a dream of yours?
I come from a very small town in the Southern Cape. I always had the dream and passion but never thought it would happen in this massive way. I love the theatre because there I can combine my singing, acting and dancing!
What was the inspiration behind your new single ‘Iemand As You Hart Breek’?
I wrote the song while I was in Upington for a live gig. I sat in my hotel room and started writing this song. So many times we meet people that are only willing to be there when everything is going well. This song is about that person that is there for the best of times but also the worst. I think that’s what everyone ultimately wants.
When can we expect a new album from you?
We hope to release the new album in the middle of 2015! My sound now is very much in the style of “Iemand As Jou Hart Breek”. It’s driven catchy pop. I also want to do bit more of a modern country sound. I am writing every time I get the chance.
Which musicians in the industry do you look up to the most? Why?
Lately I look up to songwriters. People like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Ryan Tedder and John Legend writes the best pop songs of our generation.
Where did your passion for music come from?
Music isn’t just something you wake up to one day and decide, maybe I should try this. I’ve had this fire in me since I was little to do this. It’s a passion and dream you’re born with. It depends how hard you are willing to work to make your dreams come true.
What can we expect from you in the next few months?
It’s a hectic couple of months ahead. I’m doing a big tour in December and January. Then I’m doing a 10 day tour in Namibia in February. March I’m going to Belgium and Netherland again for a couple of shows. For me it’s really such an amazing blessing to be able to do what I love.
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