In the Netherlands, the South African singer-songwriter Amanda Strydom was an undiscovered gem for a long time, but fortunately - partly thanks to Stef Bos - that is gradually changing. In her own country she has been an icon for decades. The versatile Strydom has worked for theater, film, television and cabaret and left her mark as a television presenter, disc jockey, singer and writer. In the
… 1980s she caused a scandal when she openly took a stand against apartheid. After Briewe Uit Die Suide (2007), Kerse Teen Die Donker is the second album to be released in the Benelux. In addition to new work, it contains two bonus tracks that were recorded live during a concert in early 2008 in 's-Hertogenbosch. Don't be put off by the South African language: the CD booklet with lyrics explains everything. Strydom's hell of a voice and convincing performance do the rest. In her beautiful stories she shares melancholy and joy with the listener, which are alternately arranged as a quiet ballad, heavy blues, funky rock song or even South African a cappella choirs. (SvdP)more
