90s pop legends replace original member after 25 years-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

A group that clinched two UK number ones in the 90s have replaced their lead singer (Picture: Instagram/@Vengaboys)

An iconic band from the 90s has announced they are replacing one of their original members after over 25 years with the band.

Eurodance chart-toppers Vengaboys formed in 1997 in Rotterdam, before beginning a run of top 5 singles on the UK charts with the likes of Up and Down, We Like to Party and We’re Going to Ibiza.

They have sold an estimated 25million records worldwide.

Although they went on hiatus first in 2002, the Dutch group have still kept the Vengabus in motion over the past two decades with various new releases and tours.

And now, for the first time, that won’t include lead singer Kim Sasabone.

‘Sometimes even legends need a break. The amazing Captain Kim is taking some time off,’ shared the band’s official Instagram account on Monday, where they describe themselves to their 322,000 followers as ‘Europe’s #1 Party Act’.

Vengaboys dominated the charts in 1999 (Picture: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

Vengaboys line-up Roy den Burger, Kim Sasabone, Yorick Bakker and Denise Post-Van Rijswijk in 2000, with original member Robin Pors returning after both Burger and Bakker had left in 2009 (Picture: Tim Roney/Getty)

‘After 25+ years of unforgettable, high energy performances her time has come for some rest and relaxation. In true Venga style, the party doesn’t stop – Kim has invited the incredible Cilla from Chipz to step in for now.

‘We can’t wait for all those beach pics! Much love to Kim from all of us and the Vengafans around the world! – see you soon!’

Vengaboys is also comprised of Denise Post-Van Rijswijk, Robin Pors and Donny Latupeirissa.

The group is currently touring the world and has dates set for Germany, Scotland, Australia, Spain, Poland and Finland between now and November 2025.

Kim shared her own message on the account too, alongside a picture of her smiling in her civilian clothes.

‘I wanted to personally let you know that it’s time for me to hit the pause button for a little while.
Being on the road since 1997 – driving that good ol’ Vengabus – has been the adventure of a lifetime,’ she penned. ‘It has shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m so proud and thankful of everything we’ve achieved together.’

She thanked the Vengaboys’ fans for their loyalty as she her promised her temporary replacement Cilla Niekoop would ‘keep the energy sky-high’.

Kim said she was broken hearted to make the decision to take a sabbatical but was praised by fans (Picture: Instagram/@Vengaboys)

‘This isn’t goodbye – just a slightly extended disco nap,’ the 50-year-old added, as reassurance, before signing off: ‘Thank you for your understanding, your love, and your support.’

On her personal profile, Kim revealed that it was ‘the most difficult decision of my life’ to take a sabbatical and that it was made with ‘a broken heart’.

‘Although this break will be temporarily, I already miss my Venga family and the stage. But this is what I have to do to find myself.

‘Being strong and resilient has been my superpower from an early age. It feels liberating to not depend on that super-power for a little while. To just be me and remodelling that super-power so I can come back as the version of me I need to be.’

Cilla paid tribute to Kim as she called stepping into her shoes an ‘absolute dream come true’ on her social media profile a few hours later.

Cilla Niekoop (second L, pictured with her Chipz bandmates Kevin Hellenbrand, Rachel van den Hoogen and Peter Rost) has replaced Kim (Picture: Daniel Kroll/BSR Agency/Getty)

The band has sold over 25 million records worldwide (Picture: Ken McKay/Rex/Shutterstock)

‘I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to Kim and the rest of the Vengaboys for trusting me with this opportunity. A huge thank you also goes out to my family and my Chipzfamily for their love and support, allowing me to embrace this new adventure while continuing to be part of both groups.’

‘As two Dutch pop groups, we’ve admired and respected each other for many years, and it feels so special to now join hands and help each other out,’ she shared. ‘I can’t wait to travel the world, spread love, and share the happy music that brings us all together. Let’s keep the party going!’

Seemingly a match made in heaven with Eurovision, Vengaboys said in 2023 that they send in their iconic song Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom! every year with the hopes of representing the Netherlands, but it’s rejected for not being new – so they’re clearly always staying busy.

Fans and colleagued rushed to leave their support for Kim and her announcement in the comments on social media, with Swedish singer and producer Basshunter responding: ‘25 years on tour, and you are always giving 110% *respect* no one deserves it more.’

‘I know that feeling and it’s great when you know it’s time for a break,’ shared DJ Sash. ‘I am sure you will be back even stronger than before.’

‘Good for you babe❤️ Enjoy your much deserved rest and enjoy your family and peace,’ chimed in 00s icon Whigfield, while Vengaboys bandmate Denise wrote: ‘Love you big and brave sis!’

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