It takes a brave young musician to record a rendition of any South African classic song, especially one first recorded in 1976.
Talented 22-year-old violinist, Neo Motsatse, has done just that.
She has taken Letta Mbulu’s “There’s Music In The Air” to greater heights with her classical rendition of the song.
Neo’s rendition will be released today (Friday, 11 November 2022) and be available for downloads from digital stores.
Her rendition of “There’s Music In The Air” is her first single from her debut EP, which will be released early next year.
Speaking to The Bulrushes about the single, Neo expressed her excitement ahead of her single release, saying: “This is the beginning of an era for me on a musical journey”.
She added: “I have been playing live concerts since I was 10 years old, and I waited for the right moment to do this”.
The song is a cover adaptation of an evergreen composition of the same title by Caiphus Semenya and Will Jennings, which was recorded and released 46 years ago by Letta Mbulu.
A few years ago – before she passed away in 2021 – classically influenced songstress Sibongile Khumalo, did her rendition of the song.
“There’s Music In The Air” was also recently covered by Ami and Black Coffee.
Singer Thandiswa Mazwai has included her rendition of “There’s Music In The Air” in her latest offering.
On the production of her single, Neo said she worked with the award-winning producer and film score composer, JB Arthur.
The results are a magnificent production of “There’s Music In The Air“.
Neo plays a beautiful violin solo – a delicate symbiosis of string harmonies.
“Neo and I sought to create a work that was honest and true to the original composition, while building on her prowess as a violinist,” said JB Arthur.
“We simply enjoyed working on the project”.
Trained and steeped in the classical music tradition, it is hardly surprising that Neo is launching her recording career within that genre.
Neo is, however, rooted in South African music of yesteryear.
She has always incorporated and embraced the best of South African music and compositions.
Neo’s manager, Fezeka Motsatse, who also nurtured her talent from the tender age of six, said: “Neo is well rooted in her being South African, and this comes through strongly in her music”.
Motsatse added: “It is for that reason that she decided that her recording career will reflect a great appreciation for the best of what South Africa has to offer.
“We are therefore excited not only with this release but with what is to come as well.
“Her fans and followers are in for a treat.”
