The moment that Arnold de Wet supporters have been eagerly anticipating has finally arrived. His brand-new praise and worship album, EIGHT28, is now available and promises to deeply impact anyone who listens to it.
EIGHT28, which refers to Romans 8:28, was released as part of Inhoud Huis Musiek’s worship platform, The Shelter, and is a collaboration between Arnold, Johan Vorster, and Jacomien de Wet.
“The titular track is based on the passage in Romans 8 that says God makes everything work together for the good of those who love him. In the bridge of this song, we declare: ‘If it’s not good, it’s not over’, because that’s the promise the Lord has given His children,” explains De Wet. “It had a significant impact on us and became a recurring theme on the album.”
Listeners can look forward to eight original tracks on the album, including his previous releases, Praising Jesus and El Shaddai, which have both been well-received in gospel music circles.
Although he finds it difficult to choose a favourite song, he believes that Rock of Ages is a unique track that is definitely going to resonate with listeners of all ages.
“We wanted to give the song a rock vibe and the end-result is unlike anything I have ever heard in the gospel genre. It’s about glorifying the Lord as a champion, and I’m very excited about it,” he shares.
According to him, the most rewarding part of creating the album was working with guitarist Raymond Green to bring the vision they had for the project to life.
EIGHT28 is also the second official single to be released from the album and was written by the artist himself.
“Romans 8:28 has been my favourite Bible verse for years. It’s a promise that the Lord gave me many years ago, and I wanted to write a song – a creed that we can shout out to the world – about it,” he reveals about the inspiration behind the track. “We are often anxious about our lives and the future, and this promise helps us to remain calm and serves as a reminder that no matter what happens tomorrow, God will make everything work out in our best interest.”
Just like with his previous music video for Praising Jesus, his latest video, captures a live performance at the AfriForum Theatre. It was produced by Gerhard van Rooyen. “What makes it unique is that we recorded it live, without an audience, effectively transforming the theatre into a large studio where we could film this major production. Eight songs were filmed on the day.”
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGfzjyrwB6Q
Arnold is the son of well-known singer Jan de Wet. He grew up in Hartbeespoort, where he was constantly surrounded by talented musicians, which sparked his passion for music. Following the release of an album two decades ago, he took a 17-year hiatus. He recently rediscovered his passion and, after recording the single Run, he crossed paths with Inhoud Huis Musiek, who approached him to form part of their new praise and worship platform.
In addition to planning his album launch, which will take place during a big praise and worship event later this year, he is doing as many live performances as possible to promote his music.
“I am excited about how the music industry is picking up and how people are coming together to socialize after Covid. We were all nervous about what the world would be like after the pandemic, but what we have learned is that people always want to come together and listen to music, and that’s a wonderful thing.”
The versatile singer-songwriter is passionate about the projects and work he is involved in and encourages the public to support The Shelter.
“We are establishing something in Africa and South Africa that we believe the Lord will allow to spread to other parts of the world because He has given us the tools to do so. We want people to support it and become part of the team by listening to and sharing our music. Let’s show the world what we can do,” he concludes.
EIGHT28 is now available on all streaming platforms. Get it here: : https://ArnoldDeWet.lnk.to/eight28
TRACK LIST
Praising Jesus
Eight28
Rock of Ages
The great I am
Let the church rejoice
Thank you
Champion
Bonus: El Shaddai-thank-you-medley
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
ARNOLD DE WET
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Arnolddewetmusic
Instagram: @arnolddewetmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIH3t_e4rNoRbOaeMywpw2w
THE SHELTER
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshelterlabel
Instagram: @theshelterlabel_
