Riku Lätti Biography: South African Singer

Riku Lätti, a multifaceted talent hailing from South Africa, has left an indelible mark on both the local and international music scenes. Born with a passion for creativity, Riku embarked on a journey that saw him evolve from a singer and songwriter to a respected writer as well.

Riku Lätti

Following his matriculation at Hoërskool Florida in Johannesburg in 1991, Riku pursued his academic interests in philosophy at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he eventually completed his honors degree. However, it was in the realm of music where Riku truly found his calling.

Under the moniker Victor S. Wolf, Riku underwent a symbolic transformation, declaring the demise of his former self, Riku Lätti. However, his resurrection as Riku Lätti was cemented when he composed the complete film score for Jans Rautenbach’s film “Abraham,” reintroducing himself to the world of music with newfound vigor and creativity.

Throughout his illustrious career, Riku collaborated with renowned South African artists such as Koos Kombuis, Laurika Rauch, and David Kramer, among others. His songs found resonance with a diverse array of performers, ranging from Karla du Plessis to Bobby van Jaarsveld, showcasing the versatility and universal appeal of his compositions.

In 2005, Riku made waves on the international stage with his inaugural tour in Belgium and the Netherlands, solidifying his status as a global musical force. Subsequent tours through Europe, including performances with Stef Bos, further propelled his ascent in the international music scene.

Riku’s musical prowess extends beyond conventional boundaries, as evidenced by his collaboration with Jahn Beukes on the music for the award-winning SABC television series “Hopeville.” The series garnered international acclaim, earning accolades such as the prestigious Rose d’Or in Switzerland and an Emmy Award nomination.

In addition to his musical achievements, Riku’s contributions to the South African film and television industry have earned him recognition and acclaim. His work on projects such as the soundtrack for KykNet series “Wie lê waar” and the drama series “Vlug na Egipte” exemplifies his versatility and talent as a composer.

Riku’s accolades include multiple Geraas Musiektoekennings (GMT) awards and a Vonk Music award, underscoring his status as a celebrated artist in the South African music landscape. His collaborative album “Radio Lava,” featuring original compositions alongside Jahn Beukes and Arnaud van Vliet, stands as a testament to his ongoing commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and challenging societal norms.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Riku’s role as the chief in charge of “zimdollar,” an Afrikaans cult newspaper, and his founding of “Die Wasgoedlyn” showcase his multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to creative expression.

In essence, Riku Lätti’s journey embodies the transformative power of music and art, transcending borders and inspiring audiences around the world. With each composition and collaboration, he continues to leave an indelible imprint on the cultural landscape, cementing his legacy as a true visionary in the world of music and beyond.

Die Wasgoedlyn

Die Wasgoedlyn, a groundbreaking concept initiated by Riku Lätti, has become a cornerstone of the South African music scene, fostering collaboration and creativity among local artists. Stemming from Riku’s passion for storytelling and authentic expression, Die Wasgoedlyn offers a platform for musicians to share their stories and melodies in their most natural environments.

The concept behind Die Wasgoedlyn is simple yet profound. Riku travels across South Africa, recording artists in their homes, around braais, and amidst gatherings with friends. These intimate settings allow for raw and unpretentious performances, capturing the essence of each artist’s unique style and personality.

The name “Die Wasgoedlyn” carries symbolic significance, reflecting the concept’s ethos in two key ways. Firstly, a washing line is often situated in the backyard, away from the polished façade of the front of the house. Similarly, Die Wasgoedlyn aims to uncover the authentic essence of artists in spaces where they feel most comfortable and free to be themselves. Secondly, just as a washing line displays a diverse array of items, from work-shirts to patched socks, Die Wasgoedlyn showcases the rich diversity of musical talent in South Africa, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among artists from various backgrounds.

Discography

Here’s a comprehensive list of Riku Lätti’s discography:

Me and Mr. Sane

• Electric Chair
• Hey hey hey hey
• Seveneight
• Crazy like a bird
• Muscatoman
• Cool Kids
• 99
• Everything
• One fine day

Featuring musicians: Peter Auret, Max Loubscher, Justy Range, Willem Moller, Stefan Ackermann

Pleister vir my nerwe

• Sterre
• Rooirok
• Pakpoort
• Onder my asem
• Jas
• Agter my rug
• Valley
• Verander
• Stuikel
• Waar is jy
• Laughing

Featuring musicians: Peter Auret, Max Mikula, Brendan Ou Tim, Bob Biggens Hendrik Coetzee

WOKNAKWYF!

• Slaap
• In die begin
• Reën
• Moet nooit die belangrikheid van goeie mond higiëne onderskat nie
• Slaap maar weer
• Jean Marais – Nou
• Aan almal
• Saamstaan
• Dis te laf
• Suit
• Staar
• Nou
• Hoekom is jy bang vir my
• Eiland in die son
• Die laaste wals
• Tussen my en jou

Aan’t sterre tel (2004)

• Oorlogtyd
• Medisyne mens (with Steve Hofmeyr)
• My Amerika
• Op die maan (with Laurika Rauch)
• Staar
• Waar is jy
• Verander
• Osama Bin Laden (with Paul Riekert)
• Soms (with Liela Groenewald)
• Deesdae
• Smoorverlief

Featuring musicians: Peter Auret, Jonathan Crossley, Cesare Cassarino, Rory Gaddin

Radio Lava (2007)

• Afgrond
• Strate
• Eenling Is Die Mens Gebore
• Hekkie
• Hoofstroom
• Om En Om
• Onthou Jy Nog
• Blom
• Ysbeer
• Die Cool Wat Deur Die Kerk Is
• Sneeuwitjie Se Partytjie
• Voor Jou Oe
• Weet Van Beter
• Jeane Se Partytjie

Featuring Jahn Beukes and Arnaud van Vliet

Akoesties (2009)

• Hoofstroom
• Ysbeer
• Pakpoort
• Afgrond
• Somer
• Blom
• Voor Jou Oë
• Aubade II
• Stertrap
• Strate
• Sunday’s Like This
• My Amerika
• Onder Jou Asem
• Op Die Maan (with Jelle Amersfoort)
• Dood Spoort (hidden track by Jelle Amersfoort, Dutch translation of Hoofstroom)

Die Ongelooflike avonture van Hanna Hoekom (2010)

• Ratelslang
• Hoekom Altyd
• Huis
• Virus
• Pak Saam
• Konigin Binne
• Wonder
• Raaisel
• Rooirok
• My Kap
• Weet Jy (Dat ek nog aan jou klou)
• Suikerbostango
• Jêm
• Nuwe Lewe
• Dis ‘n Dogtertjie
• Konigin Binne (&0s Rules Mix)

Janneman in die Diereryk (2011)
(Children’s album)

• Stoomtrein
• Janneman
• Vertelling- In die takke
• Oupa Die Uil
• Vertelling – Waar Gaan Al Die Diere Heen
• Koning Leeu Se Partytjie
• Slaap, Hasie, Slaap
• Skildpad In My Hangmat
• Vir Die Voëls
• Vertelling -‘n Slang In Die Stad
• In Die Woud
• Vêr Weg Van Die Huis
• Elke Dier Het Sy Dag
• Swaeltjie
• Vertelling – Janneman Gaan Huis Toe
• ‘n Ding Soos Die
• Vertelling – Hoekom Moes Janneman Weggaan
• As Al Die Sterre Stukkend VAl
• Droomland

Die Wasgoedlyn Volume 01 (2015)

• Verskeie Kaalpruts – Wasgoedlyn
• Gert Vlok Nel – Fly My To The Moon
• Rian Malan – Jezebel
• Les Javan – Rooirokmoles
• Bacchus Nel – Lucy
• Nike Holm – Seil
• Lochner de Kock – Die Muur
• Gert Vlok Nel – Hand Vol Gruis
• Piet Botha – Bitterfontein
• Oom Koos – Sarie Marais
• Les Javan – Rietfontein
• Bacchus Nel – Waar Die Dice Val
• Neil Sandilands – Stof Tot Stof
• Jackie Lätti – Boereplaas se Lakens
• Die White Ou Not Kwaito Ensemble – Boegoeberg se Dam
• Toast Coetzer – Sagte Vleise
• Jaco Botha – Saggies en Teer
• Rynier Ernst Julius Prins – Groot Verlange
• Jackie Lätti – Laaste Dans
• Laurinda Hofmeyr – Al In Die Rondte
• Riku Lätti – Slaap Klein Beminde
• Verskeie Kaalpruts – Onder Jou Asem
• Verskeie Kaalpruts – Wasgoedlyn Tot Siens Sê

Die klankbaan van Jans Rautenbach film – Abraham (2015)
Original soundtrack for the film, available from Vonk Musiek.

Hoop daai boom is Oukei (2018)

• Die Son
• Hoop daai boom is oukei
• Kom saam met my
• Dans is al
• As tyd kon tik
• Transformeer
• Waai
• Wen! Wen! Wen!
• Oomblik en Ewigheid (poem by Henning J. Pieterse)
• Kersfeesvader
• Krokodil
• Heilig
• Neem my saam

This extensive list showcases Riku Lätti’s diverse musical journey, from alternative Afrikaans rock to acoustic recordings and even children’s albums, demonstrating his versatility and creative range as a musician and songwriter.