Based: Johannesburg
7 SAMA Awards from 2007 to 2011), most popular SA Pop Star and TV presenter, Kurt Darren is undisputedly the Prince of Afrikaans Dance Music! His fully-fletched, hit-packed English album, Smiling back at me, also established him as SA’s Hit Parade and radio playlist favourite. After a stint in Hyde Park, London and a huge fan-base, Kurt is always geared to discover new territories, locally and abroad.
He has paid his dues, and since the release of his debut album For Your Precious Love (1995), followed by a series of pop work in English, Kurt hit it big time with his Afrikaans debut Net Jy Alleen (Only You) in 2002.
His 21 studio albums and three DVD’s showcase versatile talent (doing all the background singing and harmonies himself!), smooth vocal ability, unique style and virile personality.
Whatever Kurt Darren does, the keyword is quality. He is an accomplished, versatile performer and songwriter, dedicated to his craft and his audiences. This gentleman carries his success with modesty and pride!
Kurt Darren is used to innovation and recognition. He has paid his dues. He is living proof that there is life after a mega hit. His party smash hit Meisie Meisie was followed by numerous other hits, perhaps the most well-known Loslappie and Kaptein (up-tempo) and Hemel op Tafelberg (ballad). His English hits Standing on the edge and My Facebook song have become favourites on English radio (Kurt wrote many of his hits in collaboration with Don Kelly and Marc Brendon). Kurt is currently one of the most popular and busiest artists on local hit parades, stages and festivals around the country. Kurt has proudly reached the top of mainstream popular music in South Africa, especially in the Afrikaans market. With his guy-next-door image and designer looks he’s also gaining appreciative support amongst English speaking fans, especially with the release of his album Smiling back at me, which reached the second spot on the official Hit Parade. The repertoire of his CD’s are a carefully and balanced selection of soothing ballads and up-tempo songs in both Afrikaans and English. He offers his loyal fans a variety of popular catchy tunes and contemporary dance beats. Kurt Darren continues to impress his audiences.
Kurt Darren was the only Afrikaans speaking artist who performed at Madiba’s 90th 46664 Birthday Benefit Celebration Concert in Hyde Park, London in 2008.
His major Afrikaans hit Meisie Meisie was translated into German as Hallo Susse (Hello Girl). Twelve of his hits have been released in countries such as Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium. After a stint of 40 plus weeks with his 2008 Afrikaans album Uit die diepte van my hart (From the bottom of my heart) in the Top 10 of the only official Hit Parade based on actual CD sales, the SA Top 20, on the national radio station RSG (radio without borders), his first English original English offering in over a decade, Smiling back at me, reached No 2 on the same Hit Parade. Rarely SA artist boost this achievement: two CD’s on the same Hit Parade; one Afrikaans, the other English.
