This Johannesburger made his television debut at the tender age of 14 on the program Kraaines. This experience sparked off his singing career. “That first experience of cameras, lights and the audience transformed me into a performance junkie. At that stage I realized that I could follow no other career with the same job satisfaction.”
Notwithstanding this desire, André pursued studies in law at the University of Stellenbosch. During the period at university, he came to the realisation that music was his calling and finally made the decision to follow his dream.
He is totally committed to his work and believes that honesty is the key to success. This applies on stage, TV and in the studio. André has a gripping and lively stage personality and his secretive romantic tenor voice fascinates crowds wherever he appears on stage. André has a powerful voice and his interpretation of whatever song he sings, creates that special admiration of every single person in the audience.
As a ‘romantic freak’ he is appreciative of the sober aspect in his personality. “The work of a professional artist does not revolve around partying. The same rules regarding discipline and commitment apply as with any other career.” This moderate philosophy makes him popular with his fellow artists and associates in the industry.
He was chosen as the most popular male in South Africa by a leading woman’s magazine.
STAGE APPEARANCES
André has a diverse range of stage appearances. A world of glamour unfolded from his singing career with high moments manifesting when playing the lead part in musicals such as ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat’. This extends to one-man cabaret shows, music festivals, shows on passenger liners, appearance at the Miss. SA competition and various shows across SA.
He had several appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra and the New Arts Philharmonic Orchestra, these appearances are among Andrè’s favourite.
PRODUCTIONS
Andrè is one of the few commercial artists who achieved success with the Cabaret genre. A production with Elzabé Zietsman at the “Klein Karoo Arts Festival” was crowned as the best in the “Beeld” top ten productions. André is also at home in the classical arena and appeared in the production “Romanza”.
During 1998 at the centenary festival of Bertolt Brecht, he shared the stage with Abigail Khubeka, Richard Nwamba and appeared in Brecht productions for the Goethe Institute, directed by Alexander Stillmark from Berlin, an authority on Brecht productions. He combines the cold unemotional Brecht with the sensualism of Jacques Brel and stage intimate cabaret shows, earning himself the admiration of many a lover of this music genre.
In 2002 Andrè, Jannie Moolman and Rina Hugo teamed together in an extremely successful production that celebrated the career of Ge Korsten. The classical approach that was needed for certain items proved once again that Andrè is a man with a voice and singing technique that can be compared to the best, also in this genre.
CORPORATE MARKET
The corporate market is no new experience for Andrè. He had many appearances in the past at product launches, motivational seminars and year end functions for a variety of companies, ranging from banking groups to cosmetic companies.
BREAKFAST SHOWS
Breakfast shows are high on the popularity list and André entertain and charm the ladies with his honest smile and lively personality.
TELEVISION
André featured in almost every musically oriented program on big screen and on TV. He was presenter of his own game show and prides himself on five solo programs. He was the presenter of 26 cooking programs on MNET for Appletiser. A further 50 cooking programs followed on all 5 main television channels for All-Gold. He even appeared in the popular soapy ‘Egoli” on MNET, not as a character, but as himself. This is an outstanding achievement as it is rarely seen that a person represents his own character. This is an indication of his popularity.
The presenting of documentaries and voice dubbing underscores his diverse talent.
RADIO
Being at ease behind a microphone, André had the opportunity at “Punt Geselsradio” to have some of South Africa’s foremost musicians, sportsmen and woman, as well as business people as studio guests.
CD PORTFOLIO
André can be proud of the ten releases - all of them complimenting his exceptional talent. He is one of the top sellers with three gold status CDs. His new release “Jy sê dis Verby” promises to be yet another hit. This CD offers the genre that was responsible for his success and also promise to reach golden status.
WELFARE
There is also another side of André Schwartz. He is working for an Aids organization, and keenly propagates awareness at his shows. He staged several shows in the past to raise funds for this cause.
MARKETER
The past 3 years Andrè was part of a marketing company, Snelco, where he actively worked and conceptualized campaigns for some of this country’s top brands such as All Gold, Just Juice, Appletiser, Tastic, Parmalat and many more. Last year he won the Raptor award for his Appletiser marketing campaign, only after a year of being in a new industry. Andrè started his own marketing company “Get” in October 2003.
Music and pleasure is abundant with this attractive sensitive man. His fans describe him as follows: “On stage he delivers an electrifying show” “His songs are meaningful” “He is every woman’s dream” “There is no better voice than this.” |
