Rising South African singer and songwriter, Madelaine, is excited to announce the release of her debut EP entitled, EK Kies Vandag, hot on the heels of the release of her debut single of the same name.
The mother of two took the leap into full-time professional performing later than most, waiting until her 40s to fully commit, despite being born into a very musical family and singing, playing the piano, and writing her own songs from a very young age.
“My mother said I used to climb onto the church benches during prayer meetings and sing out loud to all the worship songs when I was still very young,” she says, reminiscing about her musical childhood.
“When I got the opportunity to write and sing in the ATKV Crescendo Auditions in August 2022, I had to go for it. I needed to showcase my gift and ability to sing and write my own songs,” said the 47-year-old former Strategic Planner and Project Manager.
Madelaine started her musical training with classical piano lessons at the age of 5.
“At age 10 (1986) I was selected for the NKP Kinderkoor which was later known as the University of Pretoria Jakaranda Kinderkoor. Choir music has always been a great part and love of my life. In primary and high school, I was always part of the school choirs and ensemble groups,” she reminisces sharing that participating in talent shows for singing, piano, and acting has shaped her as a performer.
Her EP, Ek Kies Vandag, has been decades in the making. Her song Stiltes was written in 2001 in what she calls a time of reflecting and praying. The following year she wrote My Iemand about her search for love and this year she finished her album with the songs, Exodus, Woorde, and Ek Kies Vandag.
Madelaine’s musical journey is heavily influenced by her life and her personal story.
“I am at a better place in my life than ever before. I know who I am. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. I have a story to tell and a message of hope to bring to everyone who can appreciate my music,” she said.
Her album which she describes as adult contemporary with a little bit of smooth jazz includes music composition by Helmut Meijer.
“I am so blessed to have him as my producer. He just ‘gets me’.
Madelaine says she feels like she has a new lease on life and is excited about her budding career.
“Everything in life that happened and is happening to you has a purpose. You can either allow it to break you or you can learn from it and grow and become a better you. In the end, with the power of God in you, the choice is yours. You can speak life over your situations. You might not be able to change external factors, but how you see it and believe it and respond to it is fully in your power. You can choose a better you. A better day,” she says.
Ek Kies Vandag can be found on all streaming platforms.
Listen to the EP via YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MLiyGI90do&list=OLAK5uy_ncymydIH6jFuNLplvpnJIThX9UGXZPwHs
