Anton Goosen

Anton Goosen
Born	(1946-03-05) 5 March 1946
Genres	Afrikaans Folk/Rock
Instrument(s)	Guitar and voice
Website	www.antongoosen.co.za

Anton Goosen (born 5 March, 1946) is a South African musician and songwriter. He became a pivotal figure in Afrikaans music and is generally regarded as the father of Afrikaans Rock. His influence was not, however, limited to genre. His contribution to the music industry was much more profound as he led a continuous protest against the status quo in his music.

Origins and Musical Beginnings

Anton Goosen started playing music as a teenager and he was greatly influenced by artists like The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and The Beatles. Despite his talent, the school psychologist told him that there would be no future for him in the music industry, although this was the career he wanted to pursue at the time.

After school, this career path still proved unattainable and Goosen thus decided to become a qualified teacher and subsequently he taught at St. Stithians School. Unknown to most people, Goosen also coached the South-Transvaal soccer team during this period. He would continue feeding his passion for music by playing gigs in pubs at night. During his time at St. Stithians School, Goosen wrote the musical, Jantjie, to be performed by the students. This musical would ultimately lead to the launch of his career.

Goosen left the school in 1976 and started working as a part-time critic at Beeld newspaper and he also taught pottery and guitar to a select few. During his first interview at Beeld, Goosen spoke to the rising singer, Sonja Heroldt about her song Ek verlang na jou, which was gaining popularity at the time. He proceeded to present her with a few of the songs he had written and especially Jantjie prickled her interest. She decided to record this song, which would later become her greatest hit. This was the start of a successful joining of forces that lasted for about four years, during which Anton Goosen wrote most of the songs contained in Sonja’s albums. These include songs like: Waterblommetjies, Harlekyn, Hanoverstraat, Trein na Maatjiesfontein, Ta’Mossie se sakkie-sakkie boeredans and Oberammergau that soon propelled Sonja Heroldt to the top of the charts.

Goosen’s way into the Afrikaans music industry was paved and he also proceeded to write songs like Hoeka Toeka for Carike Keuzenkamp and Straattroebadoere, Vergeet om te Vergeet, Neanderthalman and Atlantis for Laurika Rauch; while other artists like Richard Clayderman and Francis Goya both recorded the song Waterblommetjies that Goosen originally wrote for Heroldt.

In 1979 Anton Goosen writes the theme music for the film Pretoria o Pretoria. The theme song was, in fact, the original version of Goosen’s Kruidjie-roer-my-nie, but it was banned by the South African Broadcasting Committee according to the strict censorship laws under Apartheid, within just four days of release. This marks the beginning of a long containment of Anton Goosen’s music by the SABC. Goosen, therefore, rewrites the lyrics of Kruidjie-roer-my-nie and releases it as a seventy-eight record. This would be Goosen’s first commercially successful recording and it sold over 40 000 units.

Life and Career

In the same year that Goosen released his recording of Kruidjie-roer-my-nie, he also proceeded to release his first album, Boy van die Suburbs, which was the first album ever to be released in Afrikaans in which the artist wrote his own songs. The inspiration for this album sprung from a conversation with Chris Kritzinger who advised Goosen to compose a kind of songer-songwriter album, much like Donovan.

Boy van die Suburbs sold about 80 000 units, a remarkable figure considering Goosen’s humble beginnings. The track Blommetjie gedenk aan my on this album is considered the first Afrikaans rock song and the direction in which this album impelled Goosen would result in his honorary title as ‘the Father of Afrikaans Rock’. Moreover, his music protested against the status quo under the Apartheid regime and his songs Antjie Somers and Hanoverstraat, were of the first songs in Afrikaans to protest against the forced removals that took place during that time. A song he wrote for Laurika Rauch, Mpanzaville, also contains references to the Soweto uprisings and contributed to his controversial image.

Anton Goosen was prohibited from performing on any ATKV stage after he made jokes about the national flag, which was a strong political symbol at the time, at a show in Stadskouburg. Soon afterwards, the ban was lifted due to pressure from the general public. He also sparked a measure of outrage amongst the public by performing with a rock band at a UNISA cultural concert. During the drum solo, about 300 out of the 1200 people in the audience promptly left the venue.

Anton Goosen soon becomes the forerunner of the music and lyric scene in 1979 in collaboration with artists like Laurika Rauch, Koos du Plessis, Jannie du Toit, Louis van Rensburg and Clarabelle van Niekerk. Inter alia, Goosen becomes the music advisor for the television programme, “Musiek en Liriek” (Music and Lyrics) produced by Merwede van der Merwe, and he writes 16 of the songs used in the programme. Hereunder, Goosen’s song “Kruidjie-roer-my-nie” features prominently on the stage performances of “Musiek en Liriek” and steadily climbs the charts. Under his influence the Afrikaans music industry reaches its Rubicon divide and prominent artists like David Kramer, Coenie de Villiers, Lucas Maree and Annelie van Rooyen follow hard on his heels.

Anton Goosen persists to build on his rock music foundation of the seventies. During the 80’s, Goosen continues to sell over 400 000 records and he undertakes various tours throughout South Africa and Namibia. In 1983 Anton produces the first rock album in Afrikaans: “Wildebeest”. Through this successful production, Goosen establishes himself as a talented producer and in the 90’s he produces Koos Kombuis’ critically acclaimed album, “Elke boemelaar se droom”, and the album “Om te Breyten” which is comprised of various artists’ compositions of Breyten Breytenbach’s poetry and which wins the SAMA for best Afrikaans album in 2001.

In 1985, Anton Goosen signs a recording contract with Peter Gallo on the only inscribable surface at their disposal – a milk bottle. Nevertheless, this agreement still stands firm. Two more successful albums follow in the 80’s: “Lappiesland” and “Liedjieboer innie city/stad”. In these albums Goosen ventures into the exploration of his ethnical heritage after moving to his retreat on the banks of the Hennopsriver.

Goosen alters the course of his work in 1989 and starts the group Die Kommissie van Ondersoek (The Commission of Scrutiny) in conjunction with the artists Lucas Maree, Helena Hettema and Karlien van Niekerk. The group’s name is a tongue in cheek reference to the many commissions that were found by the National Party during Apartheid. Their revolutionary song, “Winde van Verandering” (Winds of Change), is banned immediately by the SABC as the song precedes the historical events of 2 February 1990. When the SABC becomes aware of the oncoming changes, they swiftly lift the ban and “Winde van Verandering” becomes a radio hit.

In the same year Goosen employs the 19-year-old political activist, Ansie Kamfer, as his manager. He entrusts her with the organisation of an Afrikaans music festival, Houtstok (a reference to Woodstock), and in her first attempt she succeeds in getting an astounding 22 000 people to attend the festival - which is still the largest number of people to ever attend an Afrikaans music festival. A similar festival is organised by the FAK at the Voortrekker monument on the same day and is only attended by 15 000 people. Peter Pearlson records a CD of the Houtstok event which succeeds in capturing the soul and essence of the festival.

As with the music and lyrics movement of the 70’s, Anton Goosen once again, finds himself at the cutting edge of the expansion of Afrikaans music when his song “Wit kaffers van Afrika” becomes one of the most controversial anti-Apartheid songs in Afrikaans. Between 1990 and 1992 Anton Goosen works on his album “Danzer” of which the title track, in collaboration with Lucky Dube, reaches the top of 5FM and Radio Metro’s charts. In achieving this, Anton Goosen also becomes the first Afrikaans artist to reach the number one position on 5FM’s charts. The album was not only commercially successful, it also merited critical acclaim and “Insig” magazine nominates “Danzer” as the best ever album in South African music. During this time Goosen also tours with rock bands like Jack Hammer and the Backwater Blues Band.

The rest of the 90’s holds the release of Goosen’s album “Bushrock” featuring his collaborations with artists like Gito Maloi (from Tananas), Isaac Mstali (from Stimela who also plays on Paul Simon’s “Graceland”) and Kenny Mataba, amongst others. The album introduces a new Marimba sound to Afrikaans music that results from the album’s amalgamation of cultural styles. Around this time two compilation albums are also released: “Riviersonderend” and “Putonnerwater”. These albums also include a few new tracks like “Die Seewater is blou” and his composition of Ingrid Jonker’s poem “Hemel vol Blou Akkers”.

In the late 90’s Goosen takes a break from his musical career to take up some soul-searching and he travels through Africa and finishes the construction of his home. In 1999 he resumes his live performances, but his audience now consists of a new generation who were children when Goosen first appeared on the music scene. Most of them had not even been born when Goosen released ‘Boy van die suburbs” and therefore Goosen’s music bridges generations. Despite his age Goosen remains a man of firm principles and in 1999 he refuses a prize from the ATKV, because they reward artists whose work mostly consists of songs translated form English. Anton Goosen wages a struggle against music that is merely translated as well as artists that perform with backtracks. During 2002 his struggle escalates to the extent that many backtrack-artists like Steve Hofmeyr turn their hand to him on public platforms like “Litnet” and various newspapers. Steve Hofmeyr’s comments on “Litnet” are met with so much discrepancy that Hofmeyr launches a vendetta against Goosen. Anton Goosen persists to ignore Hofmeyr, but at the KKNK festival in 2003 he appears with a T-shirt that makes fun of Hofmeyr.

Goosen’s new album “Vis in die bos” wins the SAMA for best album in 2002 and the album is described by various critics as the most successful world music album in Afrikaans and thereby Goosen delivers groundbreaking work once again. In 2002 Anton Goosen receives the “Geraas” prize for his lifelong contribution to Afrikaans music and his contribution is also honoured when literator, Gerrit Komrij, includes some of Goosen lyrics in an anthology of Afrikaans poetry.

Anton Goosen is also renowned for his formative effect on various young artists. His show, “Anton en Vrinne”, which is performed at various art festivals acts as attestation of this effect. The idea for this show sprung up at the “Volksjol” show at the “Volksblad” festival where the younger artists Valiant Swart and Karen Zoid joined Goosen and Beeskraal on stage for a vibrant jam. This leads to many similar “Anton en Vrinne” performances across the country with artists like Gito Baloi, Sonja Herholdt, Ollie Viljoen, dDisselblom, Gian Groen, André Swiegers, Alta Joubert, Charlie Smith, Steaan van der Walt, Dozi, Theuns Jordaan and many others. In 2003 a DVD and CD of the show is released and is met with commercial success.

The artist’s second collection of lyrics is published in 2005 with the following title: “Hitte van die teerpad: Songs van die Liedjieboer”. In the publication Goosen looks back on his career with lyrics and anecdotes. In the same year, Goosen also releases his new album, “Groen Blomme” (Green Flowers), which includes his collaborations with various young artists like Klopjag, Gian Groen and Lienka. From 2002 until 2008 Anton Goosen and his Bushrock band undertakes a tour to the United Kingdom once a year and in 2007 they also perform in Belgium and the Netherlands. In 2007 Anton Goosen also moves house to Gansbaai when he is the victim of armed robbery on his farm near the Hennopsriver.

2008 proves another successful year in Goosen’s life as he releases 3 double CDs to commemorate his 33 years in the music industry. In the same year Steve Hofmeyr and Anton Goosen cease their dispute at the “Brugbou” concert and they are good friends to this day. In 2009 two publications, “Liedjieboer Boek 1” and “Liedjieboer Boek 2”, containing Goosen’s work are released. He also proceeds to host is own music programme, named “Pampoene oppie dak” (Pumpkins on the roof) on Whale Coast FM and continues the programme for four years. Anton Goosen and Yvonne Chaka Chaka each receive the SAMA in 2009 for their lifelong contribution to South African music and they perform his song “Pampoene oppie dak” to the 6000 people at the ceremony at Sun City accompanied by the Lucky Dube Band. In June 2009 Anton Goosen, Coenie de Villiers and David Kramer are honoured by the Academy of Arts and Science with a centenary medal for their respective contributions to Afrikaans music.

ATKV rewards Goosen for his contribution as songwriter in 2010 and his work is rereleased as the double CD: “Anton Goosen: Grootste Treffers van die Liedjieboer” with Select Music. In 2011 he receives a Voortrekker medal of honour for his excellent youth service. Anton Goosen also presents a very successful radio-programme on RSG called “Liedjieboer-rumoer” in 2011.

Needless to say, the Afrikaans music industry can be split into two categories: the Afrikaans music before Anton Goosen and the music after Anton Goosen. His contribution to Afrikaans music is confirmed by the 19 Anton Goosen songs included in the second volume of the FAK songbook published in 2012. Consequently he was invited to perform at the gala opening at the Voortrekker monument. This achievement buries the hatchet pertaining to his conflict with institutions that promote foreign music, because the FAK songbook is only comprised of original, Afrikaans music.

His heritage is so profound that the Faculty of Music at Stellenbosch University has requested his manuscripts, clippings and work to compile an extensive archive for postgraduate students.

His legacy is confirmed by artists like Koos Kombuis who stated that Anton Goosen is the most influential Afrikaans musician of all time. John Leyden from Mango Groove also said that as a teacher, Anton Goosen opened minds in a time where others often tried to close them.

Anton Goosen is currently working on a new album which is expected to be released towards the middle of 2013.

Discography

Singles

• "Kruidjie-Roer-My-Nie" (1979) Theme from the film 'Pretoria O Pretoria'
• "Trompie" (1980) Theme from the TV Series 'Trompie'
• "Boy Van Die Suburbs" (1981)
• "'n Brief Vir Simone" (1981) Theme from the film of the same name
• "Deurdruk Dag Toe" (1981)
• "Baai Baai Bokkie" (1983)

Albums

• Anton Sing (1972)
• Boy Van Die Suburbs (1979)
• Liedjieboer (1980)
• 2de Laan 58 (1980)
• Jors Troelie - Liedjieboer (1981)
• Lappiesland (1985)
• Liedtjieboer In Die Stad/City (1986)
• Winde Van Verandering (1988)
• Danzer (1992)
• Riviersonderend - 21 Greatest Hits (1994)
• Bushrock (Of A White Kaffir In Africa) (1996)
• Putonnerwater (1999)
• 'n Vis Innie Bos (2001)
• Anton en Vrinne Live in die Staatsteater 2003
• Die Groen Blomme-projek 2005

Appears On

• Muses Op Besoek
• Alternatief Op Sy Beste
• Glenys Lynn Treffers
• Jy Is My Liefling
• Houtstok Rockfees
• Die Beste Afrikaanse Album
• Om Te Breyten
• Geraas Musiek Toekennings
• Vloek Van Die Kitaar

Awards

Year	Award	Category
1979	Sarie Award	Best composition for Kruidjie-Roer-My-Nie
1979	Sarie Award	Best Singer of the Year
1999	ATKV	Contribution to Afrikaans music DECLINED
2001	Geraas	Lifelong contribution to Afrikaans music
2001	SAMA	Album of the year for Om te Breyten
2003	SAMA	Best Afrikaans album of the year for Vis innie bos
2005	Vonk	Oskar for Groen Blomme
2006	Volksblad	Artist of the year
2009	Academy of Arts and Science	Centenary Medal
2009	SAMA	Lifetime achievement award
2010	ATKV East Pretoria	Songwriting award
2011	Voortrekkers	Medal of Honour
2013	Inniebos	Contribution to Afrikaans music

External links

• Anton Goosen official website
• Anton Goosen in The South African Rock Encyclopedia