New Anton Goosen Single Celebrates the Hope that New Life Brings
“Die verlede lê ver agter – dis die toekoms wat wink. Vir die dansende ster, wat in Luka se blou oë so blink... (The past lies far behind – it’s the future that beckons. For the dancing star, shining so brightly in Luka’s blue eyes...)”
These are some of the poignant lyrics from the legendary musician and songwriter Anton Goosen’s latest single, which promises to leave a lasting impact on everyone who listens to it.
LUKA, which means “light” or “bearer of light” in several Slavic languages, is a soothing acoustic ballad in a 6/8 waltz genre, written by Goosen himself. It embodies the joy and hope that come with a new life.
According to the Liedjieboer, this track captures love and innocence through the eyes of a newborn boy.
“This is a love song about a little boy named Luka, with the bluest eyes in the world. The message is deep yet simple: seize the day – carpe diem,”
he explains.
Drawing inspiration from the philosopher Nietzsche’s words, “out of chaos comes a dancing star”, Anton describes the metaphorical “light” of the dancing star as the torch shining in Luka’s eyes.
“With new life comes new hope,”
he philosophizes.
“I often write about observations and emotional experiences, sometimes changing names and sometimes not.”
Listeners will resonate with the universal themes of love and connection expressed in LUKA.
“Love is the one constant through the ages. The wish to ‘go well’ (hamba kahle) in the chorus is universal, regardless of language.”
The single features harmonies by Lise Swart and Zolani Mahola, with Illimar Neitz on guitar, Schalk Joubert on bass, Kevin Gibson on drums, and Keith Farquharson on the Hammond organ.
LUKA follows in the successful footsteps of Gigi, which was well-received and continues to play on the radio. A music video for this special song will also be available from 28 October 2024.
This video features a timeless and futuristic concept. It combines shots of the eternal beauty of nature with man-made elements to depict the theme of time's continuity, with or without us.
The idea stems from the thought that out of the chaos of the ages, a dancing star can emerge – a celebration of the wonder of life, as seen in the eyes of a child like Luka.
The video is a combination of old video’s, stock footage and scenes filmed at a vineyard outside Stellenbosch during the Woordfees, directed by Niel van Deventer.
Known as the father of Afrikaans rock, Anton Goosen has captivated listeners for decades with his compelling lyrics and unforgettable tunes.
Born in the Karoo in 1946 and raised in Kroonstad, he has created more hits over the years than any other South African, including Silver de Lange, Boy van die suburbs, Byeboerwa, ’n Brief vir Simone, Kruidjie-roer-my-nie, Jantjie, Waterblommetjies, Harlekyn, Hanoverstraat, Trein na Matjiesfontein, Ta’ Mossie se sakkie-sakkie boeredans, and many more.
His contributions to music have earned him various awards, including SAMA, Innibos, and FAK accolades.
In 2022, he launched his own line of veldskoen, Jantjie Veldskoen, in collaboration with Vellies Boutique, and his life story, Anton Goosen: Liedjieboer, written by well-known journalist Hanlie Retief, was published by NB Publishers in 2020.
Goosen’s plans for 2025 include regular tours and performances, a few new songs, and special projects to celebrate Afrikaans as an official language, recognized 100 years ago in May.
“I’m also excited about the upcoming four-episode documentary ‘Riviersonderend’, also produced by Niel van Deventer, which will be released soon,”
he adds.
LUKA is the third single from his latest album, Sirkels, and is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
