Lynnwood Ridge singer Sarina Briedenhann, known both as a performer and a mentor, is preparing to treat fans to brand-new music early in the new year.

The 64-year-old artist, who has built a remarkable 35-year-long career in the industry, will record her next single in Cape Town this December, with the official release planned for January.

Briedenhann, who performs only under her real name, runs Ellie Blue Studio and has dedicated recent years to helping young artists find their voice.

“I have time now to focus on mentoring,” she said.

“I work with children as young as four up to 60. If someone wants to sing, I help them all, and age doesn’t matter.”

Her musical journey began at the age of five, singing alongside her brother in a family band.

Although she didn’t initially imagine a solo career, everything changed when she was discovered by a record company and later won a televised talent programme in 1987.

She began professionally at a tender age and has since released 15 albums in both gospel and secular Afrikaans music, earning multiple hits along the way.

Her early success included the number-one gospel track Jy is Kosbaar, which remains one of her most meaningful songs.

“I had a lot of self-doubt when I started my music journey,” she said, “That song reminds people and myself that you are worthy.”

Other favourites released over the years include Weskus Strande, Bosveldparadys, and Die Lewe Bly ’n Ou Verhaal.

However, Briedenhann believes that sustaining a career is what defines an artist.

Despite her long career, she remains humble and selective with the spotlight.

Her focus now extends far beyond her own music.

She has written a full musical, I Have a Dream, which her students will perform on February 28 at the Business Theatre.

“There are so few platforms for new artists,” she said, “I create a stage for them. My lessons build self-esteem, not just technique.”

Briedenhann previously ran a major artist management company and has worked with some of the country’s top performers.

She believes the key to success lies in originality.

“Don’t do karaoke. If you want to stand out, you need your own niche.”

Her musical influences span from Jimmy Swaggart to Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Nana Mouskouri, Michael Bublé, and Tom Rotty.

Working with young students keeps her open-minded, she says, exposing her to new sounds and ideas.

One of the most meaningful milestones in her career came during a performance tour in America.

“They didn’t want me to sing English, and they loved my Afrikaans songs. That was a cherry on the cake.”

She has written around 50 songs, including Ek Sal Jou Dra, inspired by healing and forgiveness in her own life.

The emotional track, released last year, was written with her former husband and marked a turning point for both of them.

“We said, ‘Let’s forgive each other and move on.’ It was a weight lifted.”

Briedenhann’s new single, still untitled, promises to be ‘catchy but heartwarming’. She will be flying to Cape Town to record it and says fans can expect something special.

Over her decades in the industry, she has faced challenges such as competition, bullying, and self-doubt.

Her advice to aspiring musicians: “Believe in yourself. Stay humble. Work hard. Don’t compare yourself to others because everyone has a unique sound.”

Her three daughters, whom she proudly calls her greatest supporters, remain deeply involved in her life and work.

“We’re very close, and they stand by me and believe in me.”

With new music on the horizon and a theatre production showcasing her students, Briedenhann continues to shape the music world both on stage and behind the scenes.

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