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What it’s about:
As a struggling musician, all Paul van der Merwe (John-Henry Opperman) really wants is that opening slot for Fokofpolisiekar, that one chance to get that lucky break. But in his struggle to be seen and having to provide for his freelance photographer/waitress girlfriend Sera (Lizelle de Klerk), Paul catches the eye of ruthless music manager Lucy Ferreira (Brümilda van Rensburg) who forces him to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life.
What we thought:
Ever wondered how the music industry works? Specifically the Afrikaans music industry? Well, look no further as Musiek vir die Agtergrond will explain it all. Delivering a smart, honest critique on the cunning world that is the Afrikaans/rokkie-bokkie-sokkie music industry, Musiek vir die Agtergrond doesn’t let sleeping dogs lie.
From the pen of the creators of Roepman and Verraaiers comes the story of struggling musician Paul who signs a record deal with an infamous music manager. Paul’s very exciting deal-of-a-lifetime does however come with a few strings attached... He doesn’t get to perform his own songs and he has to perform under a stage name. This results in Johnny Theron being born and the release of his very first treffer, titled...wait for it...and wait...Heito Pateito (pronounced hey-tow-potato). If you’ve ever been to Afrikaans arts festivals like KKNK or Aardklop you’ll know what I’m talking about, that very catchy song with no meaning whatsoever? Yes, that one.
Having lost his father at a young age and being brought up in an orphanage, Paul relies heavily on Chris - a father figure, mentor and old soul – played very convincingly by Ian Roberts as well as his girlfriend Sera, who also lost her parents at a young age. Lizelle de Klerk really shines as Paul’s girlfriend in a simple, honest and captivating performance.
Providing some comic relief is Lucy’s partner in crime, John, played by the talented Terence Bridgett, who gives Paul his ‘makeover’ and teaches him his elaborate stage routine and dance moves. Seeing John-Henry Opperman bring out his inner Nicholis Louw? I have to say, priceless!
Brümilda van Rensburg brings Lucy to life like you’ve never seen her before. She’s never been so believable as a foul-mouthed manager with a tough cookie exterior, who in the end, shows her human side as she undergoes emotional growth.
The music in the film is also worth a mention. Kudos to Dawie de Jager, whose choices truly guide every scene in the film to its true potential. With the likes of Fokofpolisiekar, Klopjag, Die Tuindwergies, Die Melktert Kommissie, Jack Parow, Naas Veld, Karen Zoid and Zinkplaat, this is truly a must-have soundtrack.
Although music is the theme of this film, and it contains great music written for the right reasons by talented artists, it also delivers a universal message of doing things for the right reasons. Director Sallas de Jager begs the question why and for whom we decide and take certain paths in our lives, but he also answers that question in a beautifully told story.
Honest, simple story-telling at its best, Musiek vir die Agtergrond will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it WILL make you feel good.
As a struggling musician, all Paul van der Merwe (John-Henry Opperman) really wants is that opening slot for Fokofpolisiekar, that one chance to get that lucky break. But in his struggle to be seen and having to provide for his freelance photographer/waitress girlfriend Sera (Lizelle de Klerk), Paul catches the eye of ruthless music manager Lucy Ferreira (Brümilda van Rensburg) who forces him to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life.
What we thought:
Ever wondered how the music industry works? Specifically the Afrikaans music industry? Well, look no further as Musiek vir die Agtergrond will explain it all. Delivering a smart, honest critique on the cunning world that is the Afrikaans/rokkie-bokkie-sokkie music industry, Musiek vir die Agtergrond doesn’t let sleeping dogs lie.
From the pen of the creators of Roepman and Verraaiers comes the story of struggling musician Paul who signs a record deal with an infamous music manager. Paul’s very exciting deal-of-a-lifetime does however come with a few strings attached... He doesn’t get to perform his own songs and he has to perform under a stage name. This results in Johnny Theron being born and the release of his very first treffer, titled...wait for it...and wait...Heito Pateito (pronounced hey-tow-potato). If you’ve ever been to Afrikaans arts festivals like KKNK or Aardklop you’ll know what I’m talking about, that very catchy song with no meaning whatsoever? Yes, that one.
Having lost his father at a young age and being brought up in an orphanage, Paul relies heavily on Chris - a father figure, mentor and old soul – played very convincingly by Ian Roberts as well as his girlfriend Sera, who also lost her parents at a young age. Lizelle de Klerk really shines as Paul’s girlfriend in a simple, honest and captivating performance.
Providing some comic relief is Lucy’s partner in crime, John, played by the talented Terence Bridgett, who gives Paul his ‘makeover’ and teaches him his elaborate stage routine and dance moves. Seeing John-Henry Opperman bring out his inner Nicholis Louw? I have to say, priceless!
Brümilda van Rensburg brings Lucy to life like you’ve never seen her before. She’s never been so believable as a foul-mouthed manager with a tough cookie exterior, who in the end, shows her human side as she undergoes emotional growth.
The music in the film is also worth a mention. Kudos to Dawie de Jager, whose choices truly guide every scene in the film to its true potential. With the likes of Fokofpolisiekar, Klopjag, Die Tuindwergies, Die Melktert Kommissie, Jack Parow, Naas Veld, Karen Zoid and Zinkplaat, this is truly a must-have soundtrack.
Although music is the theme of this film, and it contains great music written for the right reasons by talented artists, it also delivers a universal message of doing things for the right reasons. Director Sallas de Jager begs the question why and for whom we decide and take certain paths in our lives, but he also answers that question in a beautifully told story.
Honest, simple story-telling at its best, Musiek vir die Agtergrond will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it WILL make you feel good.
