Guillaume Rossouw (63) from Westdene, 70’s political music legend and club performer, is still going strong and has dedicated his life to original music.
This is the man who started the Pool Club, which hosted the first Afrikaans rock festival, later to develop into the Voëlvry tour of ‘alternative Afrikaans’ acts.
Rossouw, the manager of The Bohemian situated in Westdene, was an active songwriter and performer who used his music to assist in the dismantling of apartheid, inequality, racial hatred and prejudice.
Even today, Rossouw still performs at The Bohemian.
He also gives young and old musicians, and artists, an opportunity to showcase their talents.
He started his career with the band Safari Suits, which was based in Cape Town.
After leaving the group, he formed Housewives’ Choice and the band played in many clubs.
After some time, Rossouw returned to Joburg and became involved with Gallant House, an old night club of the ’80s.
Later, after leaving his life of music behind, he ventured into something new. He sold timeshare in Mozambique and the Kruger National Park before running a restaurant in Komatipoort, but only for a short time as he returned to his music lifestyle.
He also mentioned that there had been a warrant of arrest issued for him in 1972 until 1994 by the South African Defence Force for resisting his
mandatory military service.
“I performed with bands in Rhythms Against Detention gigs, End Conscription and Free Mandela at the time,” he said.
Rossouw also hosted release-parties for some conscientious objectors who won their appeals against six-year jail term sentences.
Rossouw strongly believes that he is the person to turn The Bohemian into a permanent and lasting asset to the community, for a long time to come.
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