IRENE – THE VOICE

Irene is currently recording her 7 th solo album following the success of her “comeback album” in 2005, Lyne van Jou Lyf, which featured duets with some of South Africa’s best-known & respected artists (Coenie de Villiers, Matthys Roets, Dozi, Kurt Darren, Pieter Koen, Steve Hofmeyr, Nádine, Sonja Herholdt, Rina Hugo & Laurika Rauch) something which had never been done in South Africa before. These artists did not hesitate when asked if they would share a microphone with Irene & the end results were phenomenal! The mere fact that Irene could vocally work so well with each of these artists, is a testimony to her versatility and unique vocal abilities. The fifteen songs on the album are a mixture of rock & intense love songs revolving around a central theme of relationships.

Since Irene’s dèbut she has come to be recognised as one of the most diverse singers in South Africa. She sings in Afrikaans & English, performs jazz & rock with equal ease & her sultry, sensual voice is one of a kind, earning her nickname, The Voice. Irene has performed as guest artist with international artists such as Smokie and Bad Boys Blue as well as several South African superstars.

A rehabilitated alcoholic, four years sober, Irene is in high demand as motivational speaker and for her vivacious and uplifting performances where she entertains everyone between the ages of 2 and 82. She always succeeds in knocking the audience off their feet with her strong stage personality and powerful voice, whether she is performing at the Sun City Superbowl, Innibos or KKNK Festivals, corporate shows, theatres, churches, schools, due to her versatility in connecting with people from all age groups & cultures.

Although Irene started off in the pop industry as lead vocalist & bass player of the world’s first-ever all-girl, multi-racial group, Chess, who had mega-hits such as “Down By The River” & “Holiday” in the late 80’s, her transition into the mostly Afrikaans arena was rather smooth. After being a back-up vocalist for Steve Hofmeyr for several years, she went on to record several songs penned by Hofmeyr, performed as his support act for a while and then spread her wings to embark on a successful solo-career.

DISCOGRAPHY: 1994 – Die Ander Ek; 1996 – Woman/Vrou; 1997 – Evergreen; 1999 – All I Need Is Music; 2000 – Gewildste Treffers; 2001 – Blond3; 2005 – Lyne van jou Lyf; 2007 – Fantastic Four (project with Pieter Koen & Danie Niehaus)

2007 Performances to date include Carnival City – 5 week run with Fanastic Four; Emperor’s Palace – 6 week run with Steve Hofmeyr, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Middelburg, Lusitoland, Innibos, Botswana, Windhoek, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, etc.

2007 TV Appearances: Liriekeraai, Omiwêreld, Saterdagnag, DKNT, Dis Hoe Dit Is Met Steve

PERFORMED WITH: Smokie, Bad Boys Blue, Boney M, Hotline, Stimela, Mango Groove, Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, Brenda Fassie, Rebecca Malope, Dana Winner, Casper de Vries, Rina Hugo, Karen Zoid, Nianell, Pieter Koen, Juanita du Plessis etc