Theuns Jordaan, who will be performing in Dubai with Juanita du Plessis, spoke to Eduan Maggo about their first gig in the Middle East

You don't necessarily need to understand a language to enjoy music," the South African artist Theuns Jordaan said over thousands of kilometres of telephone wires.

"Take opera as an example. Music can move you, irrespective of the language."

Jordaan will be performing tonight and tomorrow night at the Barracuda Beach Resort with the platinum-selling artist Juanita du Plessis.

"I don't have the slightest idea of what to expect," the Afrikaans singer said about the audience expected at the gigs. "Let's hope people show up.

"I guess since it's not every week or month that South African artists perform in Dubai, it would be a bit like a saamtrek [gathering]. But we do English songs, too."

So just how big is Theuns in the Afrikaans market? The line went quiet for a second before a nervous laugh escaped him and he replied: "I don't know how big I am..."

Then, instantly, the cockiness his fans fawn over, returned. "But the public just voted me South Africa's most popular Afrikaans artist at the Vonk Music Awards."

The singer-songwriter started performing in Stellenbosch in the wineland region in the early '90s while studying industrial psychology. "I was a one man band singing at various kuierplekke [venues] in between my swottings [studies]. I started off as a first-year student trying to earn some spending money."

Successful

Jordaan became more serious about his music when he moved to the capital, Pretoria, about a decade ago. There he released his debut album, Vreemde Stad (Strange City), one of the most successful debut albums in Afrikaans, with sales of more than 190,000.

He started his own production company two years ago and signed a young star whose debut album achieved gold status. Jordaan said he enjoys being part of a young career and sharing in that experience.

"In a way, I can act as a guide to him, helping him to not make the same mistakes I've made."

"And he gets the exposure of opening for Theuns," Jordaan laughed. "Although, lately I've struggled to book him, with his career taking off."

Why Dubai? "Well, we were asked if we wanted to perform there," he said. "I probably wouldn't have been as keen if it had been London or one of those places.

"Other South African artists like Dozi and Bok van Blerk have lauded the city. Since performing there, they can't stop talking about the lekker [wonderful] experience they enjoyed."

Then Jordaan revealed his alternative motive: "I can't wait to hit the malls, what with the city's reputation as a shopper's heaven.

"I also have a strong interest in architecture, so it would be interesting to see all the crazy things happening in Dubai on that level. The majestic buildings will surely be a highlight.

"I'm looking forward to walking around and taking in the lifestyle… seeing the reality of a country that doesn't know the limits of its wealth."

Theuns and Juanita

Theuns Jordaan and Juanita du Plessis, one of the best known duets in South Africa, will be in action at the Barracuda Beach Resort on Thursday and Friday.

They began their current collaboration at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) two years ago. The duo released a CD and a DVD — reportedly the most successful DVD in the Afrikaans market ever.

"I sing some of my biggest hits and she does hers," Jordaan explained. "We then join forces on a few of our songs. And the rest of our repertoire comes from material we've selected together.

"There are covers like Vier Seisoene Kind and songs like Darlin' and Islands in the Sun, and others like Suspicious Minds — lekker vibey stuff."

Don't miss it!

Theuns Jordaan and Juanita du Plessis' shows at the Barracuda Beach Resort start at 8.30pm on Thursday and Friday. Tickets will be available at the gate and cost Dh300.

VIP tickets cost Dh600 and include dinner and five drinks.

Children under the age of 10 enter for free.

Camping costs Dh50 per person per day and wood and charcoal will be on sale.

There will also be a stall selling South African products.

By Eduan Maggo, Gulf News

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