Stefan Dixon moved to Belgium in 2014 – and then just as he was due to head back to South Africa for a homeland reunion, the 2020 pandemic hit. From this gruelling time of forced isolation came “Vanaand Gaan Ons Terug” – a love letter to Cape Town, penned from afar.
It also comes as his first Afrikaans single release in South Africa in a decade, and marks a sort of sonic homecoming, as it were. It’s hinged on an infectious maskandi backbone, jazzy piano and guitar bolstering the familiar rhythm. Put to Afrikaans vocals – something I haven’t actually come across when it comes of maskandi influence – and it becomes infectiously patriotic, heaving with effortless South African appeal.
Soulful, uplifting and, most of all, heartwarming “Vanaand Gaan Ons Terug” not only cements Dixon’s reputation of one of the most important role-players in bridging musical landscapes between South Africa, Belgium and Holland (as named by the Dutch Festival voor het Afrikaans), but also an artist with his roots firmly planted in his homeland.
Feature pic supplied by artist
