Interview: Paul Hofman
Dutch-language singer. He released his debut album Eén nacht in 2011, but broke through to the wider public in 2014 when he took part in the talent show The Voice of Holland, finishing second. In 2014 he also opened the so-called ‘Arts & Culture Pride’ of the Amsterdam Gay Pride foundation at the From From Gogh Museum, together with Liesbeth List. “Especially in times like these it’s very important to connect with one another. With other LGBTI people, but actually with everyone you meet along the way.”
Interview
“Pride Amsterdam means freedom to me”
With his towering stature, singer Sjors van der Panne (38) is hard to miss. He has built a successful career and is regularly celebrated like a star at his performances around the country. This year he is one of the Pride ambassadors who will doubtless make many hearts beat faster. In an exclusive interview he talks at length about his ambassadorship, his career and his ultimate dream.
His schedule fills up at lightning speed. For us, however, the affable singer made plenty of time.
At twenty he moved to Amsterdam where his boyhood dream came true: making music and entertaining an audience. He does this with dedication. A brilliant career lies ahead. “I grew up in a world full of music. At home we listened to records by Ramses Shaffy and Liesbeth List, Joan Baez and Janis Ian.”
Despite being rejected twice by the Kleinkunstacademie, he persevered and reached his goal. His talent was discovered early. He even performed for the Royal Family at the celebration of the 200th anniversary of our Kingdom.
A year earlier he rose to fame as a contestant in the fifth season of The Voice of Holland. He shared that experience with ambassador Shary-An. He narrowly missed winning the final, but his name was made. Sjors’ single “In het zicht van de haven” entered the Single Top 100.
Like that performance, his role as a Pride ambassador is the crowning achievement of his work. “I was immediately thrilled when I was asked.”
About his profession he says spontaneously: “I’ve been working on my career for years. The longer you’re at it, the more great experiences you encounter. I’m a huge perfectionist, not only with myself but with the whole team.” Laughing he reveals: “I often forget to enjoy what’s happening. I live for and by my work, which is what I wanted, but only after a fantastic performance is over can I really enjoy it. That’s a shame. I’ve now decided to be more relaxed about my ambition.” Standing still and taking a break is not for him. “We must keep going!”
How will I stand out as a Pride ambassador? “I don’t fit into a box. I am a man, father, singer, pub-lover, single, artist, calm, wild and passionate. I hope no one limits themselves to a box. My motto isn’t coincidentally ‘Met Elkaar’. It’s also the title of my latest album. I truly believe in it. Being free and making yourself and others happy is important. And when necessary, protecting others.” Decisively: “I represent the Pride with pride.”
He will often lend his voice during the Pride. “I perform for seniors during the Senior Pride.” Then he adds softly: “I hope I get the chance to try to help young people stand up for themselves.”
What is his biggest wish? “I hope my career continues to rise, that my little daughter has a beautiful life, that my friends continue to love me and that, for heaven’s sake, I finally meet that incredibly nice and sweet guy.” And for the Pride? “I hope Pride is bathed in sunshine and that it takes place with love and lots of joyful freedom.”
With his warm voice Sjors van der Panne makes a difference. “Nurturing and protecting the safety and freedom we enjoy in our country is very important. We must also recognise that in many other places that freedom is hard to find. Being proud and pursuing personal ambitions is not enough to ‘celebrate’. Of course I am sometimes proud of myself, but that has nothing to do with my sexuality. 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 they belong. “And at the same time experiences that we live in a wonderful country. Together we can make the world a little more beautiful. Keeping an open view towards each other and our surroundings is my starting point.”
Liesbeth List: “To truly experience a song while you sing it — not many can do that. Sjors can, like no other.”
Pride Ambassador since 2017
