Matthijs van Nieuwkerk makes his long-awaited TV comeback. He has signed a contract for one TV program on SBS 6, namely about Aretha Franklin. “That doesn’t fit.”
The time has finally come: Matthijs van Nieuwkerk’s TV comeback. He will create the program ‘SOULSISTER – Shirma & Matthijs in the footsteps of Aretha’ together with soul singer Shirma Rouse. “In this new series, the duo travels through the United States, visiting the places that played an important role in the life of Aretha Franklin.”
Suitcase carrier
Aretha runs like a common thread through Shirma’s life, says the singer. “Now I can finally make that journey that I have been dreaming of for years: back to the origins of the music that determines my life’s work. And the fact that Matthijs immediately said yes to my question if he wanted to be my traveling companion makes me very happy.”
The fallen talk show host says: “Of course I can’t say no to Shirma. We have had a lot of fun together on TV and on stage over the last year. She will soon be our heart and soul guide in the world of the Queen of Soul. A few weeks on the road together. Great fun. I watch, listen, ask, wonder and occasionally carry the suitcases.”
‘This doesn’t fit’
TV authority Tina Nijkamp is critical. She was station manager of SBS 6 for many years and does not think this suits the station. “Wow!!!! Matthijs back on TV after 4 years. On SBS6. Surprising. With his old boss Frans Klein. Not at Omroep Max,” she writes on her analysis channel.
She continues: “He delves into the life of Aretha Franklin together with Shirma Rouse. Aretha Franklin and SBS6, that’s a first Very remarkable. The channel looks more like Queen and ABBA’s channel.”
Net5 if necessary
Tina had programmed this differently. “In terms of profile SBS 6 and profile Matthijs and profile Aretha, I expected this show earlier on the NPO or even NET5. But who knows, it will be just as successful as the Elvis series earlier on SBS 6 with Rob Kemps. We will see. It could go either way in terms of viewing figures.”
“It will be the ending after Miljoenenjacht this fall, I think that is the best ending for this show. Anyway, nice for Matthijs that he is back on TV.”