An Afrikaans Xmas song for South Africans abroad
The song is also inspired by a very special 10-year-old, Carla from Cape Town, who has been battling cancer for over a year…
This Christmas there’ll be a special song for all the scatterlings of Africa, who live abroad. Young South African expat Niamh Beatrix, who recently competed in the Junior Eurovision contest in Ireland, will be releasing her first original Afrikaans single, Kersfees in die Vreemde (Christmas Abroad).
Although Niamh clearly has a deep love for Ireland, she hasn’t forgotten her South African roots. In November this year she will be releasing Kersfees in die Vreemde – and it’s not only going to warm the hearts of homesick South Africans at Christmas, it’s also in aid of Reach-for-a-Dream South Africa.
“Niamh’s Christmas song fuses Celtic and South African sounds in a very unique way,” says the producer of Kersfees in die Vreemde, Riaan Steyn from Traxtudio, Cape Town.
A first of its kind, the song features the South African Youth Choir and depicts how Christmas is different and yet the same for people around the world. “It’s about how Christmas, like music, brings people together – regardless of culture, country or language,” says Niamh about the song she composed.
“I chose Reach-for-a-Dream because the charity makes a memorable difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses – children who very often have to spend Christmas in the ‘unknown’,” explains the youngster. “The song and fundraiser is also inspired by a very special 10-year-old, Carla Van Eeden, from Cape Town, who has been battling cancer for over a year,” she continues.
“Niamh is the epitome of hope, and her strength and courage to continue to make her dreams a reality is inspiring,” says Natalie Lazaris, Business Head at Reach for a Dream. “We are grateful that she chose to support Reach For A Dream Foundation through her music, as it will help those fighting their greatest battle to realise their dreams. We are fully behind Niamh and are looking forward to supporting her through this incredible journey.”
South Africans at home and abroad can stream Niamh’s Christmas single, Kersfees in die Vreemde, in aid of Reach for Dream South Africa from all major platforms, when it releases on 1 November.