Interview: Paul Hofman
Dutch-language singer. He released his debut album Eén nacht in 2011, but reached the mainstream in 2014 when he took part in the talent show The Voice of Holland, where he finished second. In 2014 he also opened the so-called ‘Arts & Culture-pride’ of the stichting Amsterdam Gay Pride at the From Gogh Museum, together with Liesbeth List. “Especially in these times it’s very important to connect with one another. With other LGBTI people, but really with everyone you cross paths with.”
Interview
“Pride Amsterdam means freedom to me”
With his towering stature you can’t miss singer Sjors van der Panne (38). He has since built a fine career. During his performances across the country he is often celebrated like a star. This year he is one of the Pride’s figureheads who will no doubt make many hearts beat faster. In an exclusive interview he speaks at length about his ambassadorship, his career and his ultimate dream.
His schedule fills up at lightning speed. For us, however, the likeable singer makes time for everything.
At twenty he moved to Amsterdam where his boyhood dream came true. Making music himself and entertaining an audience was his goal. He does that with dedication. A brilliant career lies ahead of him. “I grew up in a world full of music. Records by Ramses Shaffy and Liesbeth List, Joan Baez and Janis Ian were played at home.”
Despite being rejected twice by the Kleinkunstacademie, he persevered and reached his goal. His talent was discovered early. For example, he performed for the Royal Family at the celebration of our Kingdom’s two-hundredth anniversary.
A year earlier he broke through as a contestant on the fifth season of The Voice of Holland. He shares that experience with ambassador Shary-An. He didn’t quite win the final, but his name was made. Sjors’ single “In het zicht van de haven” landed in the Top 100 singles chart.
Like that performance, his ambassadorship for Pride is a crowning achievement. “I was immediately wildly enthusiastic when I was asked.”
About his craft he says spontaneously: “I have been working on my career for years. The longer you’re at it, the more wonderful experiences you encounter on the way. I’m a huge perfectionist, not only towards myself but towards the whole team.” He laughs and reveals: “I often forget to enjoy what’s happening. I live for and by my work — something I wanted — but only when a great performance is over can I really enjoy it. That’s actually a shame. I’ve now resolved to be more relaxed about my ambition.” Standing still and taking a break is not for him. “We must carry on!”
How will I stand out as a Pride ambassador? “I don’t fit in a box. I am a man, father, singer, pub-lover, single, artist, calm, wild and passionate. I hope no one confines themselves to a label. My motto isn’t coincidentally ‘Met Elkaar’. It’s also the title of my newest album. I truly believe in it. Being free and bringing joy to yourself and others is important. And in some cases protecting others when necessary.” Decisive: “I represent the Pride with pride.”
He will often lend his voice during Pride. “I perform for seniors during the Senior Pride.” Then he continues softly: “I hope I get the chance to try to help young people stand up for themselves.”
What is his greatest wish? “I hope my career continues to rise, that my little daughter has a wonderful life, that my friends keep loving me and that I damn well find that incredibly nice and sweet man someday.” And for Pride? “I hope Pride will be bathed in sunshine and that it can take place with love and lots of joyful freedom.”
With his warm voice Sjors van der Panne makes a difference. “Cherishing and protecting the safety and freedom we have in our country is very important. That also comes with the awareness that in many other places that freedom is hard to find. Being proud and standing up for your personal ambitions, however, is not enough to ‘celebrate’. Of course I’m sometimes proud of myself but this has nothing to do with my sexual orientation. For me Pride is about celebrating differences together with your city-, country- and fellow community members.”
Pride Amsterdam is a success for him when everyone feels that they belong. “And at the same time experiences that we live in a wonderful country. Together we can make the world a bit more beautiful. Keeping an open mind towards each other and our surroundings is my starting point.”
Liesbeth List: “To experience a song while you sing it — not many can do that. Sjors can like no other.”
Pride Ambassador since 2017
