South Africans are proudly flying our flag high in “My Kind Of Country”, a new singing competition produced by Reese Witherspoon, available on Apple TV Plus right now!
Global (27 March 2023) – “My Kind of Country”, Apple TV Plus’ first competition series, is a groundbreaking global search for unconventional and extraordinary country music talent… and some of the contestants are proudly South African!
“My Kind of Country” is a fresh take on a competition series, breaking down barriers in country music by providing an extraordinary opportunity to diverse and innovative artists from around the world. Scouts Allen, Guyton and Peck each hand-pick a roster of exceptional up-and-coming artists and invite them to the home of country music in Nashville, Tennessee, to showcase their unique sound.
The competition winner will receive a life-changing prize from Apple Music, receiving unprecedented support and exposure on the platform and we are rooting for Serrao!
The first contestant is Justin Serrao – a local Joburger who can often be seen playing at events. The singer-songwriter calls himself a live performer, strategic networker, and successful music business entrepreneur. He also describes his music as a fusion of acoustic and country rock. Serrao is one of South Africa’s hardest working acts and is continually seeking ways to develop the business and develop inroads for new talent. The country-fusion genre that is so sincere to his sound has always been ahead of his time.
Joining Serrao are Afrikaans sisters, Zel and Landi Degenaar who grew up in a tiny mining town called Witbank, just outside the Kruger National Park. As youngsters, they grew up around music, singing in their church choir, listening to their parent’s record collection, and watching their uncles play guitar. They perform barefoot, only adding to their pastoral sound and natural vibe. As they grew up, they would jam together, and after moving to Cape Town, they started gigging together, ultimately forming their band. At times the sisters felt like outsiders for being passionate about country music in South Africa, but they naturally embody Americana and it’s a love they have sacrificed everything for.
The Congo Cowboys — Julio Sigauque, Simon Attwell and Chris Bakalanga – from Cape Town also join the cast. The band’s sound, which blends Country Music with the music of Africa, brings the banjo full circle, returning the instrument to its indigenous African roots. They perform in English and Lingala, the official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their mission is deceptively simple: to bring people together and get them moving on the dance floor.
The first 3 episodes of “My Kind of Country” is available on Apple TV Plus right now.
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