As a result of numerous requests from their fans, Sterling EQ will feature Afrikaans tracks on their new album Sterling Speel Afrikaans, to be launched at the Barnyard Theatre, Willowbridge, on October 4.
"Since the first album was focused on virtuosity, we have decided to place more emphasis on the magnificence of the melody with the second", says Carina Bruwer, flautist and manager of Sterling EQ.
"Strangely enough, no matter how hard we tried to find suitable international tracks for this project, we found our attention repeatedly reverted to Afrikaans classics of the 1980s and 90s.
"The beauty of these songs overshadowed any of the international songs we considered; we decided to place our undivided attention solely on Afrikaans music-an opportunity to pay tribute to the Afrikaans language, the culture and most importantly our Afrikaans fans."
Bruwer said it also enabled them to share this music with a non-Afrikaans speaking audience: "We asked our fans on our Facebook fanpage which Afrikaans songs they'd like to hear the "Sterling-version" of. We were overwhelmed, and could only select 14 from over 50. Naturally, we wanted to produce an album that's both electrifying and out of the ordinary, without diverting away from the music's original appeal."
The 14-track album includes Voshaarnooi (Louis van Rensburg), Mannetjies Roux (Laurika Rauch), Ramaja ( Four Jacks and a Jill), Ek Wil Jou Ken (Anneli van Rooyen), Ska Rumba (Juanita du Plessis), Jy is Vrou (Danie Niehaus), a medley of theme songs (including Agter Elke Man, Vyfster and Sonkring) and other legendary Afrikaans hits.
Instrumental pop group Sterling EQ have performed at events like the South African Music Awards (SAMA's), the Fifa Congress Opening Ceremony, the opening of Cape Town stadium, Fifa Final Draw party, and IPL Cricket tournament opening. They've shared stages with as Boney M, Snow Patrol, Johnny Clegg, Parlotones and Soweto Gospel Choir, and have entertained local and international celebrities like Elton John, Annie Lennox, and Lance Armstrong.
The official album release will take place on October 4 at Barnyard Theatre at 8pm.
Tickets are R110 each. Bookings can be done by contacting the Willowbridge Barnyard Theatre on 021 914-8898 or visit their website: www.barnyardtheatre.co.za