The artists

Lydia Bauwens (The Water) was born and raised in Sint-Niklaas.  She’d never had any musical training, but always enjoyed singing. In her early twenties she taught herself some basic guitar so she could support her singing.  She says, “Before that, I’d occasionally written some songs that never made it anywhere, but in 2020 I wrote a song that I felt I could share with others. A few songs followed afterwards, some unfinished, but always expressing what was stirring in my soul. Sometimes it’s the only way to express worship. For me, music is a means of showing my praise for God and I want to use my music to encourage others in that.” 

. As a singer, Johannes Marinus (De Straten Waren Nat) was part of a series of short-lived bands/projects. All in all great fun, a lot of experience and spiritual ups and downs. Jesus cóuld have been the reason to start or stop with different bands or projects. But it was most probably Johannes’ own reaction to, or interpretation of, Jesus’ Words that would make him move in a certain direction. During the pandemic, He finally took the time to learn some real basic piano. This led to writing his first few solo songs.

Shirine Irani (Never Alone) grew up in Maasmechelen, in Limburg.  Since she was 5 years old she studied piano; classical music; Mozart, Chopin, Rachmaninov; and soon she started writing her own songs. Later, like most teens, she loved pop music and she felt a growing need to express herself more through her music.   She started singing and accompanying herself on the piano. Age 15,  Shirine dreamed of a career as a piano player, but because of health issues impacting her fingers she had to take other career pathways.  But music always stayed in her life.  A few years ago, Shirine released an album with the elektroband B Fresh.  All songs were written and produced by the 3 band members. She also released a few singles using her own name. Today she is a teacher, mother and wife as well as a content marketer.  Music still makes her day. 

Stien Meneve (Waiting For You, What If) was born in Leuven and grew up in a family of 5 children. Music has always been a constant in her life. Her dad drummed on everything he came across and taught her to play conga. Her mom loves to sing and took her to a children’s choir (The Mega Kids) every Wednesday. When she was 6 she started piano lessons and later studied at the Lemmens Institute (Luca School Of Arts) in Leuven. After her studies she taught solfège for 4 years at the conservatory of Leuven.  She writes her own songs under the name S.Eve and in 2020  released a mini-album. She’s married to Micha Visee and together they have 3 beautiful daughters. Her biggest dream is to one day work full time as a worship leader for Belgium.