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Crimson Chrysalis is a South African female rock artist currently living in Pretoria. I have been in the music industry for quite sometime, but used to perform under the name “René”. I made a total directional change, and went from the Afrikaans acoustic-rock genre to neo-classical rock. I grew up in Bloemfontein, and completed the Unisa grade 1 piano exam already at the age of 5. I got my first guitar at the age of 8, and started giving guitar lessons at the age of 12. The guitar is still my leading, and favorite instrument.

Crimson passion cry is the culmination of a two-and-a-half year journey by the Crimson Chrysalis creative team. René van den Berg, as the singer/composer, and Esther Slabbert, the lyricist, had a vision to create more than just another album. We wanted to establish a sophisticated, wall-of-sound product that has a purpose above and beyond mere entertainment.

As professionals in the healthcare industry we both dreamed of joining the Red Cross or Doctors without Borders, but life interfered and neither of us could fulfil that dream up to now. René pursued the acoustic Afrikaans market for a number of years (“Kampus Lady” – Polygram, 1996 & “Die verkeerde kant van reg” – Bowline, 2003), while working full-time. Both these albums were released nationally and received very good reviews. Esther abandoned her creative side a while to build a practice and raise children.

When we met we realised that we both wanted to take our respective talents to a new level. Music, like their healing professions, has no borders, and we started a project that was, and is, both humbling and inspiring. As a result, Crimson Chrysalis was born. The Crimson was chosen to embody our passion and the passion for the music. The Chrysalis is a figure of change, renewal and transformation. We both believe in limitless growth, in shifting boundaries within ourselves and those around us. That is why the logo was designed to look like butterfly wings. During this creative period we managed to assemble a team of unbelievably talented musicians that share our passion and vision.

We took time to design this product because we wanted to refine our thoughts. During this time we wrote (and discarded) material, brainstormed on what we wanted to create, and finalised the album. We decided to include music that will please a general rock audience, a few powerful rock balads and finally – we included four tracks that embody the spirit of Crimson Chrysalis. In the spirit of reflecting and questioning the world around us, Blood diamond, Deo Volente, Fatal lie and Soliloque were written.

Some heart aching truths are ingrained in the fabric of us as people. Blood diamond was written within this framework and not with a spesific situation in mind. History has always been a testimony of power-hunger individuals or belief systems, and yet the innocent always ends up paying the price. . .this is their post-script.

We live in a world where life as we see it, and the reality of the world around us doesn’t always seem to meet. Deo Volente is a song about the beauty and the tragedy of life.

Fatal lie expresses, without apology, our anger at the system worldwide. Across the globe, we, as a collective society, have a duty to our children and their education. In that we are failing miserably! Soliloque is a monologue. The lyric reflects on the constant boundaries we set ourselves, and the challenge to seek the crossroads that will empower the spirit.

Music is one of the most powerful mediums of expression. We feel the tide is turning towards music that grips the soul. We have a message to share, and we believe people are ready to hear it.


Letters From The Edge (clip)

Much-loved and sorely-missed, Piet Botha was a South African musician who fronted the band Jack Hammer from 1984 to 2019, and also released critically-acclaimed solo albums. He has left us with a legacy of great music.

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Piet Botha

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Chiara Gala

Chiara Gala

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