A local artist and an acclaimed country musician have released the first Spotify Single for a South African artist, showcasing the power of music to bridge international borders.

Local sensation Riaan Benadé and acclaimed country artist Ian Munsick have released Spotify Single, I’m On Fire.

The release, part of an ambitious international campaign led by Spotify Africa in collaboration with Coleske Group in South Africa and Warner Music Nashville, aims to expand country music listenership in the country.

“South Africa is a diverse country, something that is reflected in the kind of music we are known for, including Afrikaans. Collaborations like this highlight and amplify the music industry and aid in exportation,” says Henco Harmse, Spotify’s Afrikaans specialist manager, artist and label partnerships in South Africa.

The artists chose to cover the iconic Bruce Springsteen song, creating a new take on the classic. The fusion of Munsick’s smooth vocals and Benade’s gritty textures brings a fresh, captivating sound to the song.

The collaboration also showcases the power of technology, as Benadé recorded his parts in Pretoria, while Munsick contributed from Nashville in the United States. Each musician added a unique touch to the track.

“Ian and I both love Springsteen’s music. We instantly liked the idea of doing a country-style version of the song, and we hope that Bruce hears the cover and likes what we’ve done. We are extremely humbled and grateful to Spotify for the initiative,” says Benadé.

The song aligns with the global resurgence of country music, seen in recent chart-topping triumphs on the Billboard Hot 100.

Celebrating a triumphant year, country music’s significant recognition at the 2024 Grammy Awards, with multiple nominations, extends beyond accolades, emphasising the genre’s influence internationally.