From Stellenbosch to Stardom: The Adulting Adventures of Vrede
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I reckon there’s nothing quite like the taste of independence, the cold splash of adulthood in the face. Just ask Vrede’s singers, Francois Roux and Storm Opperman. They’ve been there, done that and bought the washing machine!
University is a whirlwind of joy and exploration. A time when your only responsibility is to pass, and if you’re lucky, not to make a complete mampara of yourself in the process. And then, once the ‘jol’ ends, you’re thrust into the real world, where you’ve got to scratch for your own moola, leave your mates, and step out of your comfort zone.
That’s exactly what Francois and Storm are yarning about in their new single, “Klein Wêreld.” And they’ve certainly done it justice, spinning a story that both cuts to the bone and tickles the funny bone.
“Klein Wêreld” is Vrede’s fourth single, following the smashing success of their tunes, ‘Perspektief’, ‘Onskuld van ‘n Kind’ and ‘Die Son.’ With both ‘Perspektief’ and ‘Onskuld van ‘n Kind’ topping the charts, it seems like these chaps are on a roll.
At the tender age of 26, these lads are no novices. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Spoegwolf, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Francois van Coke, and Karen Zoid to name a few. They’ve also graced festivals like Mieliepop and Park Acoustics, and this year they’re set to entertain the crowds at Innibos, alongside Zaan Sonnekus, Loufi, and Droomsindroom.
But let’s be honest, their road to success wasn’t exactly a Sunday drive through the veld. It took blood, sweat, tears and perhaps a few awkward moments with the washing machine. “Klein Wêreld” is a cheeky, braai-side commentary on the often jarring transition from varsity life to adulting. As Storm puts it, “it’s about the fact that you must grow up and take responsibility for yourself.”
The chaps hightailed it from their familiar Stellenbosch surroundings to Jozi in pursuit of their music dream. In the process, they’ve had to stand on their own two feet, navigate life’s speed bumps and yes, even do their own laundry!
“Klein Wêreld” isn’t just about the tough bits of growing up though, it’s also a heartfelt tribute to the things they had to leave behind in their quest for the unknown. The song explores the heartache of saying goodbye to old friends, and the joy of finding new ones. As Francois concludes, “You suddenly realize that you will find your people wherever you are. It’s a small world.”
So, here’s to Vrede. Not only for creating top notch music and mastering the art of adulting, but also for finally purchasing their first washing machine. What a journey, gents!
“Klein Wêreld” is now available on all digital platforms. Have a listen here: [https://linktr.ee/vredeband]
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