We are all searching for hope in these uncertain and turbulent times where the Covid-19 pandemic takes its toll on so many different levels. Christien de Klerk of Embrace The Brand Media, had a brainwave just after the lockdown to approach her artists to record an indigenous song which will not only transcends hope, but also encourage people to unite. This idea was shared with producer Sean Butler and he suggested the iconic hit My African Dream, which made Vicky Sampson a household name in 1996.

Upcoming as well as established artists pool their talents together in this new rendition of My African Dream. The talented artists include Jack Stone, Matt Stern, Johan Anker, Chris Theron, Mondrey, Hannah, Chante and the duo GnT Band.

The singers are from all over the country, from Cape Town to Kimberley and Pretoria, and fortunately most of them have their own studios at home where they did the recordings. They send their individual recordings to the producers, with Francois Steyn and Tertius Jacobs who did the final mix.

The singers also recorded separate music videos with a special app which was uploaded on their mobile phones. Johann Latsky, edited the music video’s creatively in one music video. Each singer contributes an insert on the music video.

The singers are overly excited about the project.  “It is an honour to be part of this final product. Music is a universal language and it is wonderful that we can utilise it to convey a positive message of hope in these difficult times,” says rocker Jack Stone. 

My African Dream is one of the most recognisable songs, says Chante. “The song symbolises going back to your roots and personifies hope and unity. It reminds us of the fact that we must live our dreams and that the sun will shine again. We are all together in this difficult time.”

Johan Anker says My African Dream makes him proud to live on the continent and even more to be a South African. “I always feel a little patriotic when I listen to the song. We want to give people hope and comfort with My African Dream and convey the message that we are so much stronger when we are united.”

The duo GnT Band agrees that My African Dream conveys a message of peace and hope. “The song brings positivity in a current negative climate and environment. We hope every South African will hear this message and move forward with a constructive attitude.”

Newcomer Mondrey says dreams bring inspiration and ambition in your life. “This song personally means that although today looks dark and gloomy, tomorrow is a new day with new challenges.”

Matt Stern says My African Dream underlines the need to unite as a nation and to reach out to one another. “It was a privilege to compile a song and a video during lockdown with other artists. Although there was little contact, we share the same vision and passion.”

Chris Theron says My African Dream speaks thought-provokingly, not only through its angelic melodies but also through its deeper message of transforming and uniting our country. “I hope people will listen to this piece, not just for leisure, but also for the hope it shines to the world. In a time like this, we all need a little hope”

Hannah agrees My African Dream is an incredibly special song. “The song symbolises the dream we always cherished for South Africa and still do. I do hope when people listen to our rendition, it will inspire them to pursue this dream.”

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Molly (Lizz Meiring) van Molly en Wors en Ouboet en Wors het haar werk as tandartsassistent verruil vir dié van matrone! In Willie Esterhuizen se nuutste komedie, Huis Lelieveld, kry Molly werk as matrone van die aftreeoord Huis Lelieveld, en kan kykers uitsien om ‘n paar ou gunstelinge, sowel as nuwe gesigte te sien.

In die laaste episode van Ouboet en Wors, is Molly ingelig dat Dr Proctor emigreer en is sy werkloos gelaat. Sy het egter nie in sak en as gaan sit nie en só eindig sy op by Huis Lelieveld as matrone. “Molly is soos onkruid – orals, ongelooflik sterk en ‘n kanniedood,” meen Lizz Meiring oor dié geliefde karakter wat sy vertolk. Molly se man, Wors (Willie Esterhuizen), kom loer gereeld in om te hoor hoe dit met sy dierbare vrou gaan en watter van die personeel of inwoners haar lewe moeilik maak.

Gielie (Wynand van Vollenstee), wie kykers in Ouboet en Wors as Wors se goedgelowige nutsman en drywer leer ken het, kry ook werk by die aftreeoord, want hy het ‘n baie sagte hart – veral as dit by die oumensies kom.

‘n Groot bederf wat vir kykers voorlê, is Hélène Truter wat terugkeer as Tannie Poppie, een van die inwoners van Huis Lelieveld. “Poppie weet álles. En sy deel dit direk met die kyker. Eintlik skinder sy net. Skaamteloos. Ek’s mal oor haar want sy’s nie bang om haar opinie te lug nie,” sê Hélène.

Die inwoners van Huis Lelieveld sluit in Fleur Pot (Elma Potgieter), Gielie se ma, Martha Goosen (Karin van der Laagt), Brand Louw (Cobus Visser) en Blaartjie Louw (Yvonne Schoeman). Van ‘n hupse afgetredene en ‘n snob sonder geld tot ‘n bakster en klaagster – dié spul inwoners is die spreekwoordelike ‘oud, maar nog nie koud’.

Daarmee saam gaan kykers ook die Huis Lelieveld-personeel goed leer ken. Dominee Dou Droel (Matt Stern), wat onder sensuur geplaas vanweë sy swakpunt vir vrouens is, Spanner Proes (Reginald Hufkie), die kleurryke faktotum wat ‘n interessante lewe buite die oord het, en Koekie de Kok (Lara Lourens), Ds Droel se assistent en deeltydse paaldanseres, gaan sorg vir hope pret.

Huis Lelieveld word vanaf Woensdag 30 Oktober om 20:30 op kykNET DStv kanaal 144 uitgesaai.

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