MORE about Hendrik...
A Boerr with his heart in the right place
Boerr is know by various names; in 7de Laan he is Diederik, his [mom and] family call[s] him Hennie, and to his vocal fans he is known as Hendrik Boerr. Hendrik was entertaining music loving audiences long before Diederik went to visit Marko at the Laan. In 2003 he received a drama diploma from the Pretoria Technikon. As freelance actor he put food on the table through his singing. Wouter van de Venter discovered him on stage at the Thabazimbi Wild festival and suggested that Hendrik record a CD.
His debut album, “Chili Confessions”, was recorded in September 2006 at Christa Steyn's StudioOfNote, with Wouter as production manager. Hendrik swept everybody off their feet with his soulful, deep voice reinforced with honest lyrics. Wouter helped to created the African-vibe, something that lies close to Hendrik's heart. Karen Wessels sang background vocals.
Singing and acting have always been part of this artist's life. With his tongue in cheek lyrics about the modern African, one wonders why he chose the name “Hendrik Boerr” ??
“I chose the name ‘Hendrik Boerr' (the two r's gives it a familiar Capetownian roll) because my grandfather was a Hendrik. He was also a farmer (boer). A Boer not just because of the colour of his skin, and the fact that he spoke Afrikaans, but a Boer because of his close ties with the earth and because he worked the land. I chose the name as a tribute to him, and yes, because the past is always with us in the present; the lessons that we learn should always guide us. This is why I use this name”.
At one of Hendrik's performances a fan summed him up as “a ‘boerseun' completely gone wrong” – he does not look like a ‘boerseun', but his heart is pure. He is here to make good, original Africa-music.
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