Marno van der Merwe releases new music video

Posted in Books, Film & Music | Interactive | Local Personalities | Musicians

Multi-talented performer, Marno van der Merwe, just released his brand new music video – Uitverkoop aan ons and and tells the story of passion and commitment in a relationship.
It was directed by Kyle White whom the artist enjoyed working with.

Watch the video:

Marno has been conquering hearts of fans across the country since the start of his career. Today this 31-year old singer and actor is a well-known name in the entertainment industry, starring in various television shows, movies and stage productions. He has also recently added television presenter and solo-artist to his impressive CV and has lots more planned for the future.

Although he has no formal theatre training, it has always been his dream to entertain people for a living and he went for many auditions before finally landing a role in a Barnyard production in 2008 which marked the start of a very successful career. Ten other productions followed and prepared him for future musical roles at the State Theatre such as Ester (2011); Dawid (2012), Jesus (2013) and Liefling (2013).

Marno’s talent stretched much further than stage performances and in 2011 he made his television debut in the kykNET drama series, Hartland. In 2012 he also made his movie debut playing

Marnus starring in Modder en Bloed

the role of Frank Fouché in the blockbuster, Pretville. “I really enjoyed playing Frank because it is something I have always wanted to do and he has no limits. I hope to play him again someday and know that he will remain a crowd favourite,” he shares proudly. His impressive interpretation of a troubled up and coming singer in the 2013 film, Die Ballade van Robbie de Wee, made waves in the industry and cemented his place in the South African Film Industry. In 2015 he got the lead part (Dillion Pretorius) in the SABC-series, Roer Jou Voete, which aired for six months and his character, Brad Jooste, became a household name during Season 1 and 2 of Sterlopers on kykNET. In the 2016 movie, Modder En Bloed, he portrayed the character, JJ ‘Ratel’ Wessels, and he is extremely proud to have been a part of a story which has historic as well as entertainment value.

The star was also recently chosen as presenter of the kykNET reality program, Varsity Sing, which is something that he is very excited about. “It is different from anything I have done before and I enjoyed the challenge of recording in front of a live studio audience. Twelve university choirs compete in the show to be crowned Choir of 2016. The panel of judges consists of some of the country’s best choir experts and conductors and we are shooting two episodes per month. We plan to finish up by the end of October. It is really nice meeting new people and doing something different,” he reveals.

Although he loves acting, singing has always been his biggest passion and in 2016 he realised his childhood dream by releasing his debut solo-album, O My Liefde. According to Marno, who worked with producer Harshin Reddy on the project, “the music is easy to listen to and will touch people emotionally”. The album is a mixture of pop and alternative sounds of which six songs were written by him and five with Harshin Reddy. His own rendition of the Steve Hofmeyr hit, Deur jou Vingers, is also included on the CD. “We have been working on the album for nearly two years now and I have been working on my writing ability for ten. My own experience of life and love was the inspiration behind the lyrics and I really hope that listeners will be able to relate to the songs. Each and every track has special meaning to me, but I believe that ‘Jy Sal Oorwin’ is going to be a favourite because it is one of those positive songs that people enjoy listening to,” he says. The album is available for purchase on www.marno.co.za, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and at concerts.

The first single, Uitverkoop Aan Ons, was very well received and can often be heard on the radio. The song, with lyrics and music written by Marno, tells more about his views on love. “Love is not something that you take lightly! It is like a binding contract, where you are sold out to that person. It is precious and you have to care for and nourish a relationship.”

The man behind the talent

Music has been a passion throughout his life, and at the age of 10 he was already playing drums after which he taught himself to play the guitar. During his high school years at Hoërskool Rustenburg, he also led various praise and worship initiatives at churches in his community. Marno also enjoys sports and another dream he had was to play professional rugby, but his love for acting and the stage set him on route to where he had to make a big decision: Sport, the ministry or entertaining people through the arts. And lucky for us, the entertainment industry won!

Marno believes in living a balanced life and is still active in sport, being an avid golfer, rock-climber and horseman. He is also training in the Krav Mag fighting art where his goal of becoming an instructor is fast becoming a reality. He also makes time to travel in his busy schedule and tries to visit a new city or country at least once every year. He is also not afraid to try new things. “Each time I am invited to play a role or perform is a highlight for me! Not many people know that I am actually an introvert!” he shares.

When asked who his role models are, he says that there are many people who has taught him a lot about life and who inspire him. “The best advice I have ever received is that failure has an expiry date and that you have to face your fears in order to overcome them. I usually follow my heart and believe that things will work out the way they were meant to be.” He admires artists like Elvis Blue, Karen Zoid and Steve Hofmeyr and would love to work with them someday. “Their music is exactly the type of music that I want to write and sing,” he says.

Marno enjoys doing what he loves, even though the industry he works in can be quite unpredictable. This handsome young man, who laughs during Will Ferrel-movies and tears up when someone has a triumphant moment, does not have any set plans for the future, but definitely wants to do more movies, stage productions, albums and raise a family someday. The entertainment industry has taught him to enjoy what he does, rather than making success his main focus… and, for now, he is living in the moment and making the best of the opportunities he has.

Songs featured on his debut album

1. Jy Sal Oorwin
2. Sy
3. Uitverkoop aan ons
4. Deur jou vingers
5. Huil vir my
6. Hartklop
7. Vuurbrand
8. Ek wil by jou wees
9. Kalm jou army
10. Huis heir by jou
11. O My Liefde
12. Sonder Woorde

Quick Facts

Favourite pastime: Spending time with his friends and family
Other interests: Golf and rugby
Favourite food: Pizza
Favourite singer: Jon Bon Jovi
Favourite actor: John Cusack
Favourite item of clothing: Denim