Local musos win international contest

DON Clark, a local songwriter and producer, and lyricist Karl Bremer made history when they recently became the first South Africans to win the Great American Song Contest.

Clark, who is an old Westville Boys’ High School pupil, and Bremer beat 1 600 international entrants, from 42 countries, with their ode to former president Nelson Mandela, The long Walk to Freedom.

The song was originally written by Bremer a decade ago. He sent it to Clark, who wrote the tune for the song and made some minor adjustments to the lyrics. After the duo tried on several occasions to find an artist to record the song, the duo placed the song on the back-burner and forgot about it.

“At one point a friend presented our song to The Soweto Gospel Choir. They were interested in recording the song, but only with the blessing of The Nelson Mandela Foundation. Later, the foundation told us that they could not officially sanction the song, and the choir, unfortunately, withdrew,” said Clark.

Last year, however, Bremmer, submitted the song for the Great American Song Contest (GASC), and was subsequently informed that he and Clark had won the adult contemporary section.

“It is a great thrill to have America, a hugely successful and international market, recognise and honour our song. It is a huge accolade and great way to celebrate one of the greatest icons of the 20th century,” said Clark.

Bremer, a retired Durban anaesthetist, has settled down in Hermanus in the Western Cape. Clark, who manages a studio in Howick is best known for the songs he wrote for South African comedian, Leon Schuster, as well as songs he produced for Afrikaans artists, Laurika Rauch and Danie Niehaus.

The GASC, established in 1999, is a highly respected annual international song writing event, which features top music-industry judges, prestigious awards and prizes for 45 winners in 11 categories.