AMANDA STRYDOM


Amanda Strydom is one of South Africa's most celebrated artists. She is a singer and cabaret performer, writes most of her own lyrics and plays and is an acclaimed actress. Amanda graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BA Drama degree.

She was appointed to the Cape Provincial Arts Board's (Capab) main company and starred in Kinkels Innie Kabel and Die Wonderwerk. Amanda went from theatre to film, television, cabaret, TV presenter, radio disc jockey and writer. Her cabaret at the Oude Libertas in Stellenbosch in 1986 caused outrage when she gave the black power salute after singing about the cruelty of the pass laws. As a result, she has been referred to as "Amandla" Strydom in the press.

Her bout of bipolar depression led her to write In Full Flight, a play that was hailed by critics as a revelation. After a three-year absence Amanda returned to the stage in 1992 to great success and wide critical acclaim. Her latest CD, a compilation album, was released in 2000 and celebrates 20 years of Amanda's life in songs.