Breindy and Matt on International Singer-Songwriters Association recognition

It is generally considered better to be appreciated at home first than outside because being valued by those who know you is deeper and more meaningful.

Husband-and-wife music duo Breindy and Matt have been nominated at the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) in two categories: Single of the Year and Duo of the Year.

“I think it’s important to get some recognition at home as this is where we are based, and I’m glad Al Tuster is playlisted on Ukhozi FM; it’s important to be grounded and for your music to have some relevance,” singer Breindy Klawansky told The Citizen.

In 2018, she released Ruth Ave, which was nominated for Best Alternative Album at the 2019 South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

The album also received a global music award in 2021. Klawansky sings the original biblical texts in Hebrew.

Klawansky released her debut album Halleluka in 2011 after being signed to Ruth Ave Studios, where her husband Matt is the director. She and Matt are known as the music duo, Breindy and Matt.

The Issa was established in 2018 by US singer Tamanie Dove. Its main purpose is to support, promote, and educate independent artists across all genres worldwide.

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Connected worldwide

In 2024, Klawansky was inducted into the Grammy Academy as a voting member of the Recording Academy.

Through membership, one can participate in the Grammy Awards process, including submissions for consideration, propose rule changes to the awards process, and vote for the Grammy Awards.

The singer says since the induction, she has made strong connections with other musicians worldwide.

“I’m connected with a lot of diverse musicians around the world and like to keep up and follow their progress, so that’s how I usually hear about all kinds of music competitions and awards,” Klawansky shared.

In late 2024, the duo released a song with Maskandi musician Mbuzeni on the song Al Tuster.

The track brings together the traditions of the two musicians and weaves the Hebrew words of Psalm 27 with Zulu praise.

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Hopes of winning

Klawansky says they had to submit their music to Issa during a certain time period to be considered and have a certain amount of music released on major platforms.

“Once nominated, we had to get a certain amount of votes from our fan base to make it to the finalists, and the voting period was held throughout April,” shared Klawansky.

The Issa awards are scheduled for August 23 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I don’t think I’ll manage to attend the awards ceremony as I have other commitments, but my goal is to try [to] attend the Grammys if not next year then, please God, the year after.”

When asked which award they’d prefer to win, Klawansky says the Single of the Year is one they’re eyeing.

“I’d be grateful for either award but would be super touched and honoured for our song Take Me Back to win for best single of the year,” she said.

“I especially feel drawn to it – we started working on it in 2020, during Covid, when our studio was set up in our corridor, and [I] am proud of Matt’s production and the sound and feel we achieved on it.”

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