Mbombela-born singer writes song in Brisbane, records on home soil

A passion project that started in Brisbane, Australia, by Mbombela-born singer and songwriter Simoné Roets, has sparked the release of a single aimed at uplifting listeners thousands of kilometres away.

Roets’ new single, “Dans in die donker”, is a track about not waiting for everything to be perfect before living life to the fullest.

The song, written by Simoné and Jattie de Beer of Artistry Productions, was inspired by the fact that while tough times and challenges are inevitable, we must learn to pay attention to how we get through it, rather than asking why it is happening to us.

“Pain and beauty often walk hand in hand,” said Roets. “Life is not simply one or the other. In fact, life can be messy and sometimes a little dark, but we can find joy and peace amid the chaos.”

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Roets, who has been living abroad for four years, is currently in South Africa to record her debut album.

“The idea of recording the album in person in South Africa took root towards the end of 2020, and thanks to circumstances working in our favour, and a few miracles, I am now able to do so.”

Roets and producer De Beer have been working together for many years, having similar ideas about music and what they enjoy, which resulted in a fantastic synergy.

The result of this relationship means that listeners can look forward to an Afrikaans album filled with songs that will touch, inspire, comfort and even challenge them.

Ultimately, Roets hopes that the album will offer an enjoyable listening experience, because for her creating music is not about achieving success, but about the privilege of making something from nothing and sharing it with others.

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“Sometimes we have to do what’s in our hearts without thinking about it too much or worrying what others might say. I think it is important to encourage people to follow their passion and to remind them not to compare themselves to others.”

Roets grew up in Mbombela and excelled at sport as a child. When she started studying law, she became immersed in a creative environment that helped her discover another part of herself, which led to her buying her first guitar – and ignited her passion for writing music.

“Dans in die donker” is the first track on Roets’ upcoming Afrikaans album.

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“My husband and I lost a close friend in December 2019. Shortly thereafter, Australia went into lockdown due to the pandemic, and I basically ran out of excuses not to write.

“I had time on my hands, and for the first time I felt like I truly had something to say. When inspiration struck, I started writing in Afrikaans. It was then, far from home, that I just realised again how exceptionally beautiful our language is.”

The music video for this incredible song was released on September 28.

You can find out more about the track and the video via Roets’ social media and YouTube channel:
• Instagram: @simone_roets_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simoneroets.music/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2_Nq9GLhF-RdnWAhGLQoFQ