Margaret's Daughter: a musical journey

Ami and Etienne of Margaret's Daughter

Adri-Mari, better known as Ami or Margaret's Daughter, is one of South Africa’s top singer-songwriters. Etienne Ghyoot is a multi-instrumentalist and indie producer. Together, this Johannesburg-based duo is the much loved pop-rock band Margaret’s Daughter.

Margaret's Daughter: Black Hole
Express (album cover)

So far, Margaret’s Daughter has released three melodic English albums, including Margaret's Daughter (The Early Days) (2006) and Simplicity... (2007). Their latest English album, Black Hole Express (2009), co-produced by Matthew Fink, is easy, chilled out, even nostalgic listening, showcasing master song writing skills by Ami, as well as her soothing voice and the rhythmic tones of acoustic guitars. With a hint of folk, this album is sure to appeal not only to pop-rock fans, but to fit in quite snuggly with the internationally emerging folk-rock scene.

Several tracks have been playlisted on many South African radio stations, including RSG, East Coast Radio, KFM and OFM. .

The beautiful, full-colour, illustrated cover booklet is a graphic representation of the Black Hole Express by renowned CapeTown-based, French artist Brice Reignier.

Ami: In 'n oogwink (album cover)

The duo have now ventured into recording in Afrikaans. In ‘n oogwink is the duo’s first album in their mother-tongue. The album was produced by Ami and Etienne themselves, and is marketed under Ami to avoid any confusion. It aims to appeal not only to an adult comtempory audience, but to all their fans young and old, English and Afrikaans speaking. Due to a great response from both fans and critics, the originally planned EP blossomed and grew into a full eleven track album. Ami and Etienne played all the instruments on the album, except the drums, which were played by long-time collaborator Andy Maritz.

In 'n oogwink also showcases pop-folk-rocky, easy listening ballads, yet stands strong on its own two feet among their English albums. It is refreshing in a vast ocean full of repetitive sokkie treffers that seem to get churned out on demand every second day. Here, Ami's song writing gifts are undeniable - thoughtful, deep, nostalgic, cheerful. Ami has surely set the benchmark for new Afrikaans music in South Africa with this album.

The duo have performed extensively both nationally (where they have shared the stage with most of South Africa’s top artists and played most major festivals, including Splashy Fen and the White Mountain Festival) and internationally (Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival in Mexico, and STRAB and FORR in Mozambique). Margaret’s Daughter is adaptable to venue and mood, performing either as an acoustic duo or as a full rock band, involving different musicians as needed. Ami and Etienne have also performed individually at KKNK and Aardklop (South Africa), UKkasie (England) and Eurokasie (Netherlands).

There is no doubt that once you have listened to Margaret’s Daughter and Ami that their music will grow in your heart. Musical talent such as this is often hidden in South Africa, often ignored in such a saturated industry. It is time that more gems like this are discovered, brought out into the light and given our support.

Visit Margaret’s Daughter’s official website for all the latest news, gig guide and more: http://www.margaretsdaughter.com/index.html.
Sign up to their mailing list online and receive a free MP3!

Black Hole Express is available at Look & Listen stores countrywide. International fans can find the album on iTunes, Amazon and all major online retailers.
 

In ‘n oogwink is also available countrywide. Find out more and listen to samples at http://www.ami-sing.co.za/.