Dozi

After a very successful debut album "Mercy", Dozi has gone from strength to strength to become one of the most loved artists in South Africa. One of the very few musicians in our country that has a fan base that not only crosses age boundaries, but also cultural boundaries, Dozi is one of the most successful artists in the country.

Born Hendrik Opperman in Hluhluwe in Kwazulu Natal, Dozi was always destined for the limelight. Since the age of twelve, he has been performing on stage, singing and playing guitar. Dozi became fluent in the Zulu language, at a very young age, playing with his Zulu friends on the farm, the Zulu culture became a part of his life. After studying graphic design at the Pretoria Technicon, Dozi started playing in a number of pubs and restaurants in the area. This later led to him playing at venues all over the country, from Bloemfontein to the Drakensberg.

In 1999, he recorded and released his first album "Mercy", a Zulu gospel album, which received a SAMA nomination for best newcomer. This album was entirely written and composed by Dozi. This album was followed by "Op Aanvraag", Dozi's first Afrikaans CD, in 2001. It contains the runaway hit "Ou Ryperd" . The "Op Aanvraag" album reached double platinum status, selling in excess of 100 000 copies and its still going strong. Next in line, released in December of 2001,was the second Afrikaans album,"Storm op die Horison". It gained platinum status within the first year of release. In February 2003, "Siyaya ….. Ons gaan", was released. Within the first month of its release, more that 25 000 copies were sold and quickly it moved up to gain platinum status in September 2003. Very soon, people were singing along with songs like, "Ma se song" , " Staan net 'n bietjie stil" and "Maybe my Baby". The album " Siyaya …Ons Gaan " was nominated for a SAMA award in 2004, in the category for best Afrikaans album.

At the end of 2003, Dozi released the album " Rockin' the world". This album was released, due to the massive demand from his fans for the songs that he played for years in pubs and restaurants, when he was just starting out as a musician. Dozi has always had a very wide following, and due to the fact that he was already well known, even before the release of his first album, it was decided to record the " Rockin the world " album. The album consists of "cover" songs of other artists, done as only Dozi can. The album has been received very well and is still on the bestsellers list of most of the major record and CD shops in the country.

During the Huisgenoot Skouspel of 2003, Dozi stunned the country in performing in Italian with the opera singer, Jannie Moolman. Dozi , Jannie and the Africa Mammas, performed in a fusion production, commissioned for the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival of 2004. They received the Kanna Award for the most popular show at the festival. This production is a brilliant example of Dozi's versatility as an artist.

During August 2004, a DVD, titled "Dozi Live in the Rendezvous", was released. The DVD contains mainly the songs of Dozi's two earliest releases,"Mercy" and "Op Aanvraag" and encompasses the essence of Dozi's live performances.

His latest Afrikaans CD, "Kruispad" was launched at the Aardklop Arts Festival 2004, in Potchefstroom. The album reached gold status shortly after its release. This album captures Dozi's amazing versatile talent and his ability to sing from the heart, whether it is a ballad or a humorous song.

Dozi and his band had a very successful tour to the USA during June 2005. Dozi was appointed a 46664 ambassador by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, dedicated to research of HIV and Aids and the support of victims of the disease, on 11 July 2005. Dozi also performed as guest artist on a number of albums in 2005, including albums by Anton Goosen, Bianca, Irene van Wyk and a tribute album to the late Gé Korsten. During November 2005, Dozi was awarded the Vonk Music award for the categories "Song of the year" for the song "Grassade in die wind" as well as "Best Solo Artist" for his album "Kruispad".

He performs with his own band and the band members are Stef Kruger on drums and percussion, Theo Klassen on bass guitar, Ricus Nel on keyboard, banjo,concertina, mandolin and pedal steel guitar and Heath Fouche on guitar, who will be joining the band from the end of 2005.

Dozi is currently working on a new Afrikaans album that he plans to release by March 2006 and a new DVD is also in the pipeline.