Zaan Sonnekus‘ latest single, “MONITOR,” is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of guilt and the fear of being watched. Inspired by a line from his mother’s final poem, the song tells the story of a couple who are perfect for each other but whose relationship is constantly undermined by external forces. In the age of social media and constant surveillance, “MONITOR” speaks to a generation that is increasingly aware of the risks of being watched.

Produced by Tertius Human of VONK Music, “MONITOR” is a departure from Zaan’s previous music, which was firmly rooted in the Afrikaans music scene. While the song can be described as alternative rock, it has light pop elements that will appeal to a wider audience. With its catchy chorus and sincere lyrics, “MONITOR” is sure to become a favourite on radio stations across South Africa.
Zaan Sonnekus is no stranger to success in the music world. His debut album, ZONNEBLOM, released in 2021, quickly became a hit with Afrikaans listeners. With songs like “EK KAN NET BID,” “TIENERKWAAD,” and “TEN MINSTE VIR MY,” Zaan proved himself to be a formidable songwriter with a talent for capturing the emotions of his listeners.
Zaan’s musical journey began when he was just a young boy in grade 1. A friend gave him a CD of Green Day, and he was immediately hooked. From there, he discovered his love for music and began to explore different genres and styles. Today, he cites musicians like Francois van Coke, Karen Zoid, Koos Kombuis, and Klopjag as some of his biggest influences.
But Zaan’s love for music is only part of the story. He is also deeply influenced by the writings of his mother, who was a writer herself. He is drawn to music and literature that explore the deeper things of life and the human experience. Some of his favourite poets include N.P. van Wyk-Louw, D.J. Opperman, and Breyten Breytenbach.

In “MONITOR,” Zaan channels his mother’s poetic voice to create a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the fears and anxieties of a generation. The song’s chorus, “monitor my guilt the health risk is fatal,” is a stark reminder of the risks of being watched and monitored. In a world where every action is tracked and recorded, it is easy to feel like we have lost control of our lives. “MONITOR” is a reminder that we still have the power to control our own destiny and to live our lives on our own terms.
Zaan Sonnekus is a rising star in the South African music scene, and with “MONITOR,” he has firmly established himself as an artist to watch. His sincere lyrics and heartfelt music are a breath of fresh air in a world where it feels like everyone is trying to sell us something. With his talent and dedication, Zaan is on his way to establishing himself as one of the legends of South African music.
MONITOR is now available on all digital platforms.
Listen to the song here: https://linktr.ee/zaansonnekus
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