#10

 

Bouwer Bosch

 

Music, People, and Love. These are the three main elements revolving around the theme of this spiritually free story, and the embodiment of Bouwer Bosch. Love exists and surrounds everyone even if it is not as visible to some as to others, but it is there. It comes in many forms but unique the way Bouwer exercise this powerful emotion is what makes this tale one of a kind.

 

Let’s start with the first leg of the story: “Music”. Music is a tool of comfort for many people, young and old, that uses it as a way to express themselves, break away from reality, encourages them on daily matters, to socialize or just to soothe their soul. Bouwer uses music for all of the above and more. From early childhood years, Bouwer always enjoyed the musical note via playing an instrument, humming, vibrating noises on his lips and drums, or listening to a track on the media till one day deciding to make his own soothing sounds. During his studies at the North West University in Potchefstroom, Bouwer and a few friends joined up to experiment with their musical abilities together and later on created the SAMA-nominated multi-award winning group Straatligkinders. This band gained a huge following in an irrational fast time with the focus on dealing with everyday struggles and emotions whilst being a teenager and young adult. The 2006 debut album “Bloeisels” specifically expressed itself on simple things such as a thought of the day (“Gedagte vir die dag”), to say goodbye (Totsiens), and importantly to change the world by starting with yourself (“Verander die wêreld deur by jouself te begin”).

 

These type of messages gained much popularity by young individuals even if the main target audience was for any music lover. It was clear than during the early years of Straatligkinders that Bouwer had a way with words to make anyone comfortable with, not only themselves but to feel comfortable to live each day the way that they want to. Straatligkinders continued with success until it mutually dissolved in 2012 with the last album “Konings met Verskonings”. In this six-year period, Bouwer explained that we all make mistakes and the art of learning from those mistakes is to own it and enjoy it, as it is the reward of learning from it that will make you feel more grateful for where you are. In saying so, Bouwer started his own Ghoema-nominated debut album with the same title “Almal maak foute”. He further explained the reason behind this title simply by adding that people spend more time being upset with, for example, simple spelling mistakes, then with more important issues in life.

 

Bouwer found himself at a crossroad during his music career where he had to make a decision of letting people remember him for his music or for the person who he is. This decision came at an untimely period when Bouwer was facing a hurting time with the passing of his father. He explained this time as a painful, but very humble time. He explained further that a person thinks everything should be about themselves which should not be the case. Bouwer changed his perspective in life gradually after conversing with God more so then he did before, and started listening to other’s losses and backgrounds. This process was a humble one which he will cherish for always and finally added more meaning to the title “Almal maak foute”.

 

With this change, it led to an increase in the second element that makes up Bouwer – “People”. Being an artist, you should already enjoy being around people to learn what their likes and dislikes are, use that to then create the type of material which they can relate to, and enjoy in the end. He engaged in many community projects where he could give to the less fortunate and learn on how to make not only their lives better but his as well. “Always surround yourself with people that do what you want to do. It's free education.”

 

Bouwer made good use of this education. He further studied people by playing different roles and characters by engaging in the acting industry during 2013 with his debut film “Klein Karoo”. He added that he “isn’t the best of actors, but the fun of being one is that I struggle through it and am still learning”’ which is for him the most rewarding part of it. Although being an actor, Bouwer is currently part of a production company called Bouwer Bosch Films, where he mostly uses his time to create music videos to reach out further to people with his messages and views on life.

 

Both his music and the people that he loves to meet and learn from are joined by the third leg of this story – “Love”. Bouwer’s desire to spread love throughout different communities is the core focus of all his work, even if it is through acting or through his music. One particular music video “Kleurblind” that went viral on 2014, focused on how Christian beliefs should not be taken for granted and that the only goal as a religious person should be to express and give love to one another. Bouwer grew up in a very religious household but did always have a different outlook on Christianity than other people (as most people do). His beliefs are supported by the most Gospel truths of “love thy neighbor” and love should come out on top in every situation and life. By these beliefs, he started an organization that was completely different to the local churches in town. An organization that has nothing to do with race, religion, sexual orientation, personal backgrounds, etc., but just simply love and how it triumphs over everything else.

 

This charity organization is called Liefde Wen, an organization that establishes projects with the goal of fighting poverty, giving to communities, reaching out to fellow South Africans to experience his beliefs, etc.

 

It is outrageously impressive how someone can emphasize the power of caring, love, and support through his music and talent as a public figure.

 

 "You cannot make a difference if you are not different "- Coco Chanell. Bouwer explains that you should listen to what is out there, and say something else and adds that everything that you do shouldn’t be taken too seriously. “You should rather enjoy making mistakes and be grateful to learn from it as it is part of every spiritual journey.  You can be better than our generation, don’t take everything we do so serious and enjoy making mistakes. They are part of the journey.”

 

As a fellow firm believer of taking your journey into your own hands and sculpting your own future, I can gladly agree with Bouwer that without love for yourself, your environment and the people you commute with, it won’t be possible to make a difference as you are destined to and to be whom you are destined to be. And what better way is there to enjoy this journey than with your favorite playlist.

 

This is it for this week. Be sure to catch Bouwer Bosch on the cinematic screens in the upcoming film “Vuil Wasgoed”, releasing this summer holiday on December 8th. Also be sure to follow Bouwer on this inspiring never-ending journey of his by getting yourself warm “Liefde Wen” clothing merchandise and contribute to a cause that embraces all that is good.

 

Cheers for this week

 

WA