Nice to meet you

2009 sees the launch of local musician and composer Mel Botes’ new CD, Nice to Meet You.

Born in Klerksdorp and raised in Zeerust, Mel was given his first guitar at the age of eight by his father. Since then, the talented vocalist and musician has gone on to make his dreams come true, establishing himself both locally and internationally as a creative and innovative performer.

His music, which has been described as a blend of Pink Floyd, Sting, Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler, has touched the hearts of fans in South - Africa, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Since he first burst onto the local music scene with his four-part rock opera, David’s Confession, he has received numerous awards, including winning the Beeld/Geraas and Janus Musiek Vuurdoop songwriting contest in 2000 and being named Songwriter of the Year by Geraas Music-awards (GMA) for his Afrikaans album ‘Oomblik van Waansin’ Literally translated as‘Moment of insanity.’

In 2001 Mel was nominated for three categories of the GMA awards – Best Producer, Best Songwriter and Best Contemporary Album. He won the award for Best Songwriter. In 2002 he wrote the official Arts festival ‘Aardklop’ song ‘Aartskind in ‘n winterwoud.’

As an in-house musician for Afrikaans tv cahnnel KykNET’s popular series Dis hoe dit is… met Steve and an actor on local drama Song vir Katryn, Mel has also established a television presence. He performed at the Nelson Mandela 46664 Concert and launched his long-awaited production Flight of Bird, in October 2005 at the Aardklop National Arts Festival. It was voted one of the top 10 shows at the festival and was nominated for the Anglo American/Ashanti Awards.

1. Nice to meet you
2. spaceship
3. Gotta luv yourself
4. Summer night city
5. African Man
6. Imaginary friend
7. So lonesome
8. Boogieman
9. Torremolinos
10. Under My Sombrero
11. Photographs from Darfur
12. Hear my train a comin (Bonus Track)