South African singer-songwriter, Riverman, is excited to share the release of his debut single, “Hey Mama.” Now available on all major digital platforms, this song aims to rekindle a spirit of unity and hope amongst South Africans, drawing on the artist’s deep love for his country and its people, and his desire to see a better future for all its citizens.
The idea for Riverman’s “Hey Mama” was born out of the vibrant and inclusive vision of the Rainbow Nation
Riverman reflects, “I’ve watched with sadness as the dream of the Rainbow Nation has slowly faded from our collective memory. With the upcoming elections and the uncertainty they sometimes bring, I felt it was the perfect time to try and inject a little hope and positivity into the airwaves.”
“I wanted to remind South Africans of our shared achievements and the brighter future that awaits us if we can simply come together as a nation, setting aside our fears and prejudices.”
He believes that our future depends on us overcoming our divisions and working together towards a shared common vision.
“Like the Springboks demonstrated in 2023, winning as a team doesn’t require everyone to look the same, or to come from the same background, but it does require us to decide on a shared vision and to work together, in our diversity, to achieve the outcome we desire. If we can achieve that spirit, as a nation, nothing can stop us.” he notes.
The single “Hey Mama” is a collaborative effort, featuring the exceptional talents of many artists and musicians, including Lungiswa Plaaitjies on backing vocals, Julian Taylor and Peter Ndlala on bass; all under the expert guidance of producers Dave Langemann and Ebrahim Mallum. Riverman emphasizes, “All of their contributions have been absolutely invaluable in bringing this song to life.”
Choosing the alias ‘Riverman’ instead of his given name reflects a desire to embrace a broader creative vision, in which different singers can feature in his work. Inspired by artists like Sting, Bon Iver, and Stromae:
He explains that, “Apart from my actual name being somewhat long and difficult to spell, using the alias Riverman allows me to collaborate freely with some of South Africa’s extraordinary singers and performers, with all of these projects falling under the “Riverman” banner.”
This collaborative vision is further shared through various images of hats which appear throughout the album artwork. These serve as a symbol of the diversity of musical styles and collaborations. “Each hat represents a different facet of my musicality and the many talented people who contribute to bringing a project like this to life,” he says.
Riverman’s love for music began in childhood, singing in choirs and learning the guitar in high school. Over the years, he has composed many songs across genres like folk, pop, and alternative. Riverman shares, “I have many songs yet to be released, and I look forward to sharing them with the world.”
“Hey Mama” is just the beginning. He plans to release more music throughout the year, showcasing the wide range of songs he has composed. His ultimate goal is to spread positivity and hope, encouraging South Africans to embrace love and friendship over fear and hatred.
Check out the video for Riverman’s debut single below:
You can stream / download the track HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
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