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Trending in Mathys Roets’s World
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Story
Quick Facts
Born
1966
1966
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Born in 1966, Mathys Roets is one of South Africa’s most enduring musical figures, known for a deep, velvet-toned baritone that breathes life into the Afrikaans "luisterliedjie" (listening song) genre. His journey began humbly as a busker in Pretoria, but his evocative storytelling and mastery of the guitar soon elevated him to the national stage. By the mid-1990s, Roets had established himself as a premier solo artist and a vital member of the popular trio Drie van die Bestes. He became particularly famous for his sensitive covers of folk icons such as Neil Diamond and Cat Stevens, as well as his definitive Afrikaans renditions of Leonard Cohen’s work.
The trajectory of his life changed irrevocably in 2009 following a severe motorcycle crash that resulted in permanent paraplegia. Rather than retreating from public life, Roets displayed extraordinary courage, returning to performance only months after the accident. This second chapter of his career cemented his status as a national inspiration. He leveraged his platform to launch initiatives supporting people with disabilities, all while maintaining a prolific recording schedule. Whether performing his original compositions or paying tribute to the greats, Roets’ music remains focused on the human experience, vulnerability, and hope. He continues to tour and record, serving as a living testament to the power of the human spirit and the timelessness of a well-told song.