RONDRY, FLIEK EN DIE BUITELEWE: The Nostalgic Journey of Valiant Swart

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Imagine taking a road trip through the kaleidoscope of life. With each twist and turn, you’re discovering vibrant new shades of experience. This is precisely the odyssey Valiant Swart invites you on, through his latest album, RONDRY, FLIEK EN DIE BUITELEWE.

An accomplished artist since 1988, Valiant’s melodies have traversed countless kilometres, serenading all sides of life. This time, his compositions are infused with new insights gleaned not from cerebral reasoning, but the keen eye of an observer. The album, much like a vibrant road trip, carries you across a spectrum of emotions – through the valleys of despair and over the mountains of jubilation, interspersed with pit stops of profound contemplation.

RONDRY, FLIEK EN DIE BUITELEWE is a finely curated ensemble of character sketches, each one touched by the pursuit of freedom. The inspiration for the album finds its roots in the years Valiant spent observing people, their triumphs, trials and the uncharted terrains of their lives. From happiness and fulfilment to the struggles that punctuate existence, the album is an authentic portrayal of life.

Swart’s musical style, a delightful cocktail of rock, country, and blues, adorns each song. His tunes dance the line between bittersweet melancholy and upbeat joy – the very essence of good rock and roll music. Yet, the melodies maintain a warm familiarity, perfect for an open road adventure or an evening around a campfire. The songs will nestle within you, stirring up contentment and gently nudging aside your worries.

Swart’s musical journey was coloured early on by powerful influences. His father’s passion for music intertwined with his mother’s love for written words, shaping him as an artist. But it is his wife’s unwavering encouragement that has kept his passion aflame for more than 30 years.

During his time in Sunnyside, Pretoria, Swart’s life intertwined with that of Koos Kombuis, a prominent figure in his musical evolution. Koos’s influence went beyond just mentorship, nurturing Swart’s lyric-writing and composition skills. This enriching experience, combined with the friendships formed in Stellenbosch, gave birth to the Valiant Swart Band, marking the launch of a career that would span the length and breadth of South Africa.

From the Houtstok in 1990 to the OppiKoppi, Rustler’s Valley, and Splashy Fen, Swart’s footprints are etched in every rock festival’s sands. His knack for storytelling through music, sharpened by his writing prowess and composing gift, has garnered him numerous awards, including the SAMA for VUUR EN VLAM, in collaboration with Ollie Viljoen.

Valiant Swart’s RONDRY, FLIEK EN DIE BUITELEWE is not just another album. It’s an ode to life, its vibrant hues, and the wisdom that comes from simply observing. After 35 years on the road, Valiant invites you to share in his journey of discovery, promising hours of musical delight.

RONDRY, FLIEK EN DIE BUITELEWE available on digital platforms.

Listen to the song here: https://vyd.co/Rondryfliekendiebuitelewe

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