Up Close and Personal with ‘Mood Swing’
Mood Swing is synonymous with Witbank Entertainment. Christiaan and Ivy Ann are a combination that suits every taste for all types of functions, parties and events. Their popularity just keeps growing and they increasingly high in demand. ShowMe Witbank takes a closer look at the homegrown superstars in the making.
So who is Mood Swing and where do they come from?
A shared love for music is all that’s needed when it comes to forming a band. But it was more than love that brought this duo together, it was a lifestyle that neither could walk away from.
Both are Witbank residents all their lives and attended the same school – Generaal Hertzog – although about six years apart.
Christiaan Lombard was always in love with music and began playing various instruments, specializing in guitar, since school days. He forever wanted to have a career as a musician, but after matriculating decided to study Sound Engineering and completed a Diploma course.
In 2003 he sold all his musical and sound equipment, including his prized guitar, so that he could afford a one-way plane ticket to the UK.
“It was a hasty decision and felt as if I was leaving music behind,” recalls Christiaan. “But when I got to England, I was faced with a whole new world of Jazz.”
It turned out to be the best decision he ever made in his life. He was exposed first hand to the different types of beats and levels of bass that the music industry has to offer, and was fortunate enough to mingle with pure artists who mentored and inspired him. The result was something only achieved through passion and determination – the insatiable love for music and a burning desire to perform.
“I saved up money, bought a guitar, and returned to SA. In no time I was part of a band. I was finally able to pursue a career in music.”
Ivy Ann van Rooyen was born with music in her blood. Throughout her school days she’s been winning music, dancing and singing competitions. Her first grand prize was back in 2001 when at the age of just 15 years old was the overall winner at the Artium Arts Festival. She was one of the youngest ever winners, and scooped the prize ahead of other performers much older than her.
And this is despite facing rejection at an even younger age. When Ivy was in Grade One she was told by a teacher that she couldn’t sing and probably would not have a future as an artist.
“I wasn’t deterred by all the negativity. It just made me stronger and more determined to succeed”, says Ivy.
She is a highly skilled pianist and together with Chrisitaan writes songs. The two initially met in high school and then again in 2007 when they were both part of the now disbanded Jazz Band.
Since then they’ve joined another band ‘I am the Army’ and also figured that they work well together. Hence the birth of ‘Mood Swing’. They have mastered all genre’s of music, especially Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop and Rock. They have a style like no other and have successfully created their own identity.
From humble beginnings when they were first given their big break to perform at Rust Lounge in Pretoria and absolutely blew audiences away, the duo have been on rise. They are high in demand and are permanent bookings at dozens of venues. Some of their highlights include opening performances for Lira, Fokofpolisiekar, and Eden.
What’s next for Mood Swing ?
“We plan on launching an album soon, music written and composed by the band ‘I am the army’. There’s also some surprises we have in store for all our fans, friends and just about everybody. That’s all we can say for now…”
- Christiaan is also the son of Ms Marie Lombard – The inspiration behind Witbank Arts Campus.
- Mood Swing can be booked for all events, including functions, events, weddings and parties. They can be contacted at 082 895 8435.