The North-western Cape and Namibia have long held a fascination for me.
The countryside is stark, bleak and amazingly beautiful, a “Dorsland” both physical and spiritual. Born in the Kalahari in Botswana, I learned at an early age to appreciate the subtleties of the Desert, and the simple hospitality and “help-mekaar” of isolated communities.
I also developed a fascination for the motley bands of immigrants who crossed the borderland from the south - the Oorlamse, the Namas and the Basters. They were mixed groups of Koi-san, escaped convicts, deserters, Adventurers and absconded Slaves, all driven by a need for freedom and to determine their own destinies. They formed themselves into Kommando bands, elected a democratic Leader, the “Kaptein” from which we get that familiar phrase “hello Keptin”. They were adept Horsemen and skilled Shots. They raised cattle, rustled cattle, raided passers-by, and bickered with the local tribes. They were Bandits to some, heroes to others.
They are a hardy, stoic and tenacious People, as easily given to laughter as to tears, with a love of Stories, music and celebration.
Of course there’s a further significance for those of my generation who unwillingly served time in the Borderland with Uncle Magnus’s Adventure Safaris.
I dedicate “Dorsland” to them and all People who thirst for Freedom. self-determination and Dignity, who have the courage to travel beyond the Borderlands into the unknown, to wrestle a Life out of raw Nature, and staying true to the simple ethics of Community.
All lyrics and music composed and played by Bill Knight, with guest artists, Robin Auld on electric guitar, Seymour Howe and Lani Pieters on vocals, Gale McAll & Cherith Bain on violin. The backing singers on Stop van Myne are the Dorsland Volkskoor. Produced on the slopes of the Kommetjie mountains, at the Cottage club, April 2008.
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