Idol Chit Chat

TOMORROW AT the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Rashid Halls, South Africa’s finest pop talent will perform for their fans in Dubai.

Heinz Winckler, winner of the first ever South African Idol, Anke the 2003 winner and Andriette the runner up in 2007 will take to the stage in what is touted to be a brilliant Idol extravaganza.

Johannesburg born Anke stole the hearts of South Africans when she won the POP Idol contest five years ago. In just a short space of time she has come into her own with a unique voice that carries off any song perfectly.

Andriëtte was born in Cape Town and started singing at the tender age of 12. During her school years she successfully participated in singing competitions and won several of the top prizes.

After studying for quite some time Andriette obtained an International Diploma in Beauty Therapy and today owns her own beauty salon called ‘Pachouli Wellness’.

However it was always her dream to become a full time singer and pop star.

This prompted her to enter South African Idol in June 2007 and the rest is history! Andriette is a consummate performer and carries the accolade from notorious Idols judge Randall Abrahams for being ‘the best singer that has ever entered Idols!’ Being the first winner of the first South African Idol competition Heinz Winckler is probably the most famous to date.

His hit song ‘Once in a Lifetime’ still gets played on radio and with the release of his first full length solo album Heinz has proven that he is here to stay.

City Times spoke with Heinz and Andriette as they prepared for their upcoming concert here in Dubai.

What was the South African Idol experience like to go through?

Heinz: It was hard work, overwhelming at times, but lots of fun and I really felt that I was made to do this.

Andriette: It was the best experience of my life, something I will never forget. It was a very competitive experience, I met lots of new people. In the end it was worthwhile.

Did you always want a career in music and what was the moment you thought you could make it happen?

Heinz: I dreamed of having a music career since age 16, but it was only after I turned 23 and shortly before Idols that I decided that I want to make music my career.

Andriette: Yes, I always dreamt of making singing my career. When Randall made that comment, I thought something might come of it.

Is this your first time in Dubai and what are your feelings about playing here?

Heinz: Yes, and I’m very excited! It looks like an amazing place with many exciting things happening.

Andriette: Yes, it is my first time, and I am really very excited. I have mixed feelings and don’t really know what to expect. I know there is a huge South African community living in the UAE, and don’t know if they’ll attend.

What can the audience expect from the show?

Heinz: I will be performing songs from my three albums that were radio hits in SA and I will also do some well known cover songs that people can sing along to. It will be a fun night out!

Andriette: My best performance ever!

What type of music will be played? Will it be covers or your own songs?

Andriette: Mostly covers, but definitely some of my own songs. I need to promote my album as I would like it to go platinum soon.

What are your plans for the immediate future?

Heinz: I am working on a new album and I’m hoping to return to the USA soon to co-write some songs and have some of the tracks of my new album recorded there. But for now I’m here and getting back into doing live shows and catching up with my SA fans.

Andriette: I want to learn to play an instrument, write songs and source new material for my next album — and of course, do as many live performances as possible.

Where do you hope to be in ten years?

Heinz: Not sure, I don’t really think that far ahead, but I hope by then that I have a successful international music career, some kids, a house in Nashville and a place on a wine farm just outside Stellenbosch.

Andriette: Singing, hopeful ly with a few international performances behind me.

Heinz, what was it like to win the first South African Idol? Was it everything you expected? What advice would you give to the current crop of hopefuls around the world?

Heinz: It was wonderful and the opportunity that gave me a commercial career. My advice would be to surround yourself with people that know what they’re doing and following their advice while at the same time making sure that who you are doesn’t get lost in the creation of your brand.

Work hard and remember that you’re an entertainer that should bring joy into people’s lives. Idavid@khaleejtimes.com

• City Times