Monday, 19 August 2024 marked the one-year anniversary of Angie oeh’s tragic death from cancer, aged just 24, but this month her still-growing fanbase will get to hear her incomparable voice again on 14 new songs.
Angie was working on the official soundtrack to the ground-breaking Showmax Original Wyfie with Peach van Pletzen just before her sudden passing. The soundtrack, which also features collabs with the likes of Biggie, Early B, Hanna and Jack Parow, will be available on all good music platforms later this month.
“When Angie came to the studio and put the ideas on the mic, I could immediately feel that we were working on something special,” says Peach. “Angie’s voice is one of the most hauntingly beautiful I have ever recorded. Being able to work with Angie was a time that will stay with me forever. We lost her during the process, so there’s a lot of emotion around some of the music. I had to finish most of it after she left. She left her voice with me and that is a great gift and honour for me. She was very proud of the work and so am I.”
With the support of Showmax and Angie’s management and family, Peach went back into the studio to turn the soundtrack into full songs. “Revisiting these songs has been a beautiful, challenging and cathartic experience,” says Peach. “Even though Angie was no longer physically present, I felt her presence as strongly as ever throughout this process. It brings me great joy to finally be able to share this music with the world.”
Two singles have already been released: the dance track “Fishy Pumpi”, where Angie oeh sings in English for the first time, and “Kerkmeisie Kyla (Ratata)”, featuring Jack Parow, named after Kristen Raath’s character on the hit university telenovela.
Other collaborators include Kay Faith and Yesterday’s Pupil.
Stream “Fishy Pumpi” on your favourite platform:
Stream “Kerkmeisie Kyla (Ratata)”:
Watch a short documentary about the making of the Wyfie soundtrack:
In addition to the soundtrack, Showmax has also released a new music video for Angie’s cult hit “Dis Jou Wyfie”. Produced by Wyfie’s production company Homebrew Films, the new music video features the show’s stars: Beáta Bena Green, Celeste Loots, Kristen Raath and Mienke Ehlers.
“‘Dis Jou Wyfie’ was Angie's first single,” says Peach. “It’s a song she wrote, recorded, and produced herself. The track has built up a cult following and is now a kind of anthem for the misfits. Angie made a bigger impact than people realize; the fact that the series is called Wyfie serves as a testament to that.”
“Angie was the inspiration for Wyfie’s title, as well as much of its attitude,” confirms Johan Cronjé, the lead director on both the series and the music video. “The music she and Peach created for Wyfie is haunting. Having her as part of the soundtrack is incredibly valuable to me: sad and beautiful at the same time.”
Watch Dis Jou Wyfie:
The Wyfie team had another blow last week, with the news that showrunner Burgert Müller had passed away on Thursday, 15 August 2024, on the day of his 63rd birthday.
“Homebrew Films and the entire Wyfie team are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Burgert, a mentor and a source of knowledge for so many of us,” says Jaco Loubser, CEO of Homebrew Films. “Burgert was not only a visionary, calm, and experienced leader but also a respected member of our team. His remarkable contributions to the television industry, particularly in the soap opera and telenovela genres, have left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts are with his sisters, Susan and Ronel, his partner, Christiaan, and all of Burgert's colleagues, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. His legacy and contribution to the industry will have a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Nicola van Niekerk, acting head of content at Showmax, says, "Burgert was a big roleplayer within the South African TV industry and made an indelible impact on everybody who ever had the privilege of working with him. His passing leaves a void within the industry in which he played such a massive role - from series like Wyfie to M-Net's Egoli. His calming demeanour and the safe atmosphere he created on every set will leave a major void. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go to his loved ones, family and friends during this difficult time."
S2 of Wyfie is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Tuesday.