Singer, actress, television personality, recording artist, fashion designer and cancer survivor, AndrĂ© Hattingh has been actively involved in the South African entertainment industry for over 47 years. AndrĂ© is proud to release her new song entitled âGathering the Starsâ, a musical tribute to those in the local entertainment industry who passed away between March 2020 and March 2022, as well as paying homage to everyone in the arts and culture sector which has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and ongoing resulting restrictions.
The passing of so many industry friends and colleagues since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic over two years ago, as well as not being able to say good-bye or pay her respects weighed heavily on André. This was compounded by the suffering and losses experienced by friends, fellow artists, crew, musicians, and the live entertainment industry as a whole.
âI felt I had to do something,â says AndrĂ©. âSo, I wrote a poem called âGathering the Starsâ which I guess was also on my mind as a song. One evening while standing in the kitchen, reeling after hearing of yet another friendâs passing, that the chorus came to me. We’re gathering the stars, The show will still go on, After you’ve gone, you’ll still linger on, In the hearts that you’ve won.â
The song developed and after many difficulties and challenges AndrĂ© was joined by a committed team of friends and industry professionals who not only shared her passion to record and share âGathering the Starsâ across South Africa; they freely gave their time and expertise. Sung by AndrĂ© Hattingh, accompanied by pianist Kevin Greenberg, âGathering the Starsâ was recorded under the guidance of musician, conductor and producer, Joe Arthur. Filmed at Daphne Kuhnâs Theatre on the Square and also produced by director-cameraman Dominic Black with choreography and production management by Yolanda Kimber. Anthony Akerman and Daphne Kuhn shared Andreâs dream from start to finish and together with friend and agent, Mairi Cameron offered copious amounts of encouragement.
This song is about togetherness, about saying good-bye to âthe Starsâ who gave us their finest performances while ensuring that the âshow will still go onâ. âGathering the Starsâ is a tribute to the 142 plus people in the entertainment business who are no longer with us, but it also intended to help to create an awareness of the plight of this industry.
âI am appealing to people to listen to the song and share it or the video clip far and wide,â says AndrĂ© Hattingh. âGathering the Starsâ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, ITunes Store, Deezer, Amazon Music, Tidal and YouTube Music. The video clip is available on YouTube partner channel, PlayZA. Follow AndrĂ© Hattingh on Facebook and Twitter. www.andrehattingh.com
