Shenize sets sail on a musical odyssey
Keep an eye out for Shenize Bekker as she makes her mark on the music scene with her talent and passion for storytelling through music.
Shenize Bekker (19), a talented singer-songwriter from Verwoerdpark, deserves congratulations for embarking on a journey into the world of her latest compositions.
Soon, she will depart for an international destination, marking the start of her musical odyssey.
We chatted with her about her path into music, her experiences as a songwriter, and her upcoming endeavours.
A bright future ahead
Bekker explained that her decision to explore Afrikaans music was a natural one. She felt a deep connection to her language and found Afrikaans the most authentic way to express herself in her music.
While she has written songs in English, she wanted to release her Afrikaans song before leaving SA for America in August.
As an upcoming songwriter, Bekker faced challenges when writing her first Afrikaans song.
“One obstacle was the fear of being boxed into a specific genre in the Afrikaans music industry,” she said.
However, with the support of her friends and family, who encouraged her to stay true to her own voice, Bekker overcame this and found her unique expression as a songwriter.
In her Afrikaans songs, she conveys emotions and experiences people can connect with and relate to. Her lyrics are deeply personal and genuine, drawing from her life and the moments that shaped her. She wants people to feel empowered to express themselves when they hear her songs.
When it comes to the sound and style of her Afrikaans music, she described it as a blend of genres, such as pop and indie. She follows her intuition and experiments with different chord progressions and tunes until she finds something that resonates with her.
Her musical influences span various languages, and she draws inspiration from English artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift and Mimi Webb, and the Afrikaans band Spoegwolf.
One step further
In addition to her Afrikaans songs, Bekker is preparing to release her country song, a genre that resonates deeply with her. She feels country music is a beautiful way to tell stories and was inspired to explore it after receiving suggestions from people who believed it suited her voice.
Her upcoming country song reflects her experiences and emotions about a type of love many people dream of finding.
She draws inspiration from country music artists like Zach Bryan, Kip Moore, Nate Smith, and Ballerini.
The song’s vibe can be described as a mix of Chris Stapleton and Ballerini, showcasing her interpretation of the genre.
Writing and creating her country song was an unforgettable experience for her. It happened late one night when inspiration struck, and the words flowed effortlessly. She wrote the song in just two hours and played it for her parents, who were deeply moved. This song holds a special place in Bekker’s heart, and she is excited to share it with everyone.
A new venture
Working with Muse Studios, an SA music production company, and releasing her first Afrikaans single, Seine, have been her career highlights since matriculating.
These experiences reaffirmed her passion for music and reminded her how fortunate she was to pursue her dreams.
She is working on another original song with Muse Studios and eagerly anticipates what lies ahead on her singer-songwriter journey.
Bekker’s music will soon take her overseas because she plans to study in Nashville, Tennessee, also known as Music City. She is excited about the vibrant musical community there, which resembles the kind, supportive environment she has in SA.
Being immersed in the heart of the country music scene will undoubtedly shape her songwriting and contribute to her growth as an artist.
This international experience will provide her with fresh perspectives and influences. She looks forward to learning from other artists, expanding her artistic horizons, and gaining a degree in music business to support her career as a singer-songwriter.
Balancing her studies and pursuing a musical career can be challenging, but Bekker is no stranger to managing multiple responsibilities.
She has honed her ability to thrive in stressful situations, having experienced many opportunities in the SA entertainment industry. She will continue to work hard at her studies while dedicating herself fully to her music career.
Finding her voice
Staying true to her artistic identity while exploring different genres is essential to Bekker. After years of singing, she has found her voice and proudly embraces everything that makes her unique.
She believes in reminding herself of who she is and why she loves what she does. It is an important reminder for aspiring songwriters and singers looking to venture into new genres and embrace different musical styles.
She has many exciting projects in the pipeline. She will release more original music, particularly in the country genre, and hopes to open doors for other young SA artists.
As Bekker embarks on her journey, you can expect heartfelt and relatable songs in Afrikaans and the country genre. Her dedication to staying true to herself and her unique voice will continue to captivate audiences locally and abroad.
Her background
She was born on July 18, 2004, in Akasia, Pretoria, and raised in Germiston. The youngest of two daughters, she drew inspiration from her older sister, Lauren.
She went to Randhart Primary School and matriculated from Marais Viljoen High School.
Bekker cherishes her time with loved ones but also values her solitude. She enjoys ‘me-time’, often watching romantic TV series or going swimming.
Bekker also has a taste for adventure. She finds jet skiing exciting and accompanies her father on hunting trips.
Despite her openness, she harbours a fear not many know about.
“One thing few people know is that I’m afraid of losing my memory one day. That‘s why I take photos of everything and everyone. I take a lot of photos,” she shared.
Bekker’s work ethic is highly commendable, as described by her mother, Ruanne.
“Shenize is hardworking. She inspires me and her father. She has such a good heart and is always positive. Her strong faith inspires us, and we, as parents, look up to her. No matter what she has achieved, she hasn’t changed and has remained humble,” said her mother.
Follow Bekker on her various social media pages to keep up-to-date with what she is doing.
