The South African music industry is growing. It is booming. Jaco 'Snakehead' Venter, (Fokofpolisiekar and aKing), summed it up well in an interview recently, stating that a few years ago people would reply with a blank stare when asked about their favourite local band, and now most people could list a number of favourite local bands. There are, of course, a number of individuals who have played a vital role in our industry's revolution and evolution, yet one name stands out in bold, capital letters, font size 50, Herman Pretorius.
Herman Pretorius passed away last month after a long battle with cancer, leaving a legacy that you and I dream about, and one on which we model our ambitions in this country. Read about everything he has achieved and tell me I am wrong. I urge you to watch his raw and still elegantly executed interviews on MK and GO - this is professionalism without being pretentious. What struck an A-major chord with me was how you could see his genuine interest in a band when he was interviewing them - this is passion personified.
South African music lovers have been hit hard by the loss of Herman. However, as we celebrate his accomplishments and his time with us, we must keep up the energy and creativity that is the South African music industry. Please visit http://www.vredefoundation.co.za/ to help support cancer awareness amongst today's youth and to pay your respects to one of the elite, Herman Pretorius.
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