Afrikaans rapper Early B is the goose who laid the golden egg, it seems.
The Ben Ten hitmaker, whose real name is Earl Swartz, has just been awarded gold status for his debut album Aangename Kennis.
The excited Port Elizabeth-born artist posted a picture of himself and his gold plaque on social media on Sunday, saying: “Whoop Whoop!!! Certified Gold, I Have the plaque to prove Dankie Jesus!
“‘n Man het gedroom van die goete as ‘n laaitie, en nou leef ek dit. Baie dankie aan Almal wie my gehelp het met die Album.
“Family, Vriende, Producers, Features, Universal en last but not least, Support van die supporters Dankie ek waardeer julle almal Sonder julle sou dit nooit kon waar word nie!! Dankie, next up. (sic)”
Whoop Whoop!!! Certified Gold, i Have the plaque to prove it😁!! Dankie Jesus!! Dankie Dankie en dankie!!! ‘n Man het...
Posted by Early B on Sunday, August 16, 2020
Earl says he got the news in July, but he didn’t know he would receive an award on Saturday.
Two singles off the album first went gold - Ben Ten and Potte - and then he got the notification that the entire album, released two years ago, had gone gold, which means it sold more than 50 000 units.
“Receiving the plaque was very unexpected as I’m busy working on my new album,” he tells the Daily Voice.
“I can’t give away too much as it’s still a work in progress, but people can expect something exciting as usual. But it’s definitely coming out this year.”
Earl had two virtual shows in Johannesburg and Pretoria on Friday and Saturday, and says the Head of Afrikaans music at Universal Records asked for a meeting.
“I thought I was going to see him for a short meeting, but was surprised with this award.”
“I’m grateful to have reached this huge milestone in a time where physical copies don’t sell much.
“I have had support from my supporters since the days I used to Bluetooth songs to people, to now, when people pay for my music. All honour to God,” the artist adds.
venecia.america@inl.co.za