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Kurt Darren
Kurt Darren.JPG
Darren performing in 2014
Background information
Birth name Kurt Johan van Heerden
Born (1970-02-19) 19 February 1970 (age 55)
Origin Pretoria, South Africa
Genres Pop, dance-pop, pop rock
Years active 1995–present

Kurt Darren, whose real name is Kurt Johan van Heerden, is a famous singer, songwriter, and TV host from South Africa. He was born on February 19, 1970. Kurt has won seven South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for his music. He has also acted in several South African movies.

His first album, For Your Precious Love, came out in 1995. From 2006 to 2011, Kurt Darren hosted a popular South African TV show called Jukebox on kykNET. On the show, people could call in to ask for their favorite music videos. They could also send text messages. The show was broadcast live on different radio stations on Sunday evenings.

Kurt Darren's Music in Europe

Many of Kurt Darren's songs are in Afrikaans, a language spoken in South Africa. These songs became well-known in Europe through other artists who sang cover versions of them. This was especially true in the Netherlands and Belgium, and also in Germany and Austria.

Some of his songs were covered in Dutch. For example, "Staan Op" became "Sta Op" by Jan Smit. "Meisie Meisie" was sung by Henk Wijngaard as "Meissie Meissie". "Kaptein Span die Seile" became "Kap'tein" by Bart Kaëll. "Hemel op Tafelberg" was covered by Wim Soutaer as "Die Zomer Gaat Nooit Voorbij". Other Dutch covers include "Af en af" by Helemaal Hollands and "Bloubergstrand se sonsak" as "Dromendans" by Vinzzent.

In Germany, the band Klostertaler covered "Meisie Meisie". Mickie Krause also covered "Kaptein Span die Seile" in German, calling it "Chantal".

Kurt Darren's Life Story

In 2009, Kurt Darren set a new record in a fun South African sport. This sport is called "bokdrol vêr spoeg," which means "buck droppings far spitting." It is a traditional game played at church festivals.

Jen Su with Danny K and Kurt Darren in the Cook-off SA Challenge 2012
Kurt Darren (right) with Danny K and Jen Su during the Cook-off SA Challenge 2012

Kurt Darren married Dunay Nortjé, a South African model, on January 8, 2011. They have a daughter named Kyrah and a son named Kade.

In July 2013, Kurt Darren was in a serious car accident. This happened on his way home after watching a rugby game. His agent and secretary were also hurt. Everyone was taken to the hospital by helicopter. Doctors found that Kurt had 11 broken ribs and serious head injuries. He stayed in the hospital for several weeks to get better. Many of his planned concerts had to be cancelled. He returned to performing a few months later. He even had a tour in the US and Europe starting in 2014.

Kurt Darren's Music Albums

  • 1995: For Your Precious Love
  • 1997: Just When I Needed You Most
  • 1998: Kurt Darren
  • 2000: Since I Found You
  • 2001: Net Jy Alleen
  • 2002: Meisie Meisie
  • 2003: Sê Net Ja
  • 2004: Staan Op
  • 2005: Vat my, maak my joune
  • 2006: Lekker Lekker
  • 2007: Voorwaarts Mars
  • 2008: 30 Goue Sokkietreffers
  • 2008: Uit die diepte van my hart
  • 2009: Smiling Back at Me
  • 2009: Die Beste Medisyne
  • 2010: Met Liefde/With Love
  • 2010: Oos-Wes Tuis Bes (deluxe edition)
  • 2011: Kurt Kaptein se platinum treffers
  • 2012: In jou oë
  • 2014: Seerower
  • 2015: Lied Vir Die Vrou
  • 2016: Sal Jy Met My Dans?
  • 2017: Laat Die Dansvloer Brand
  • 2019: #Partytjiedier

Kurt Darren's Songs and Videos

Songs in Afrikaans

  • "Meisie Meisie"
  • "Staan Op"
  • "Kom ons Dans in Afrikaans"
  • "Kaptein"
  • "Af en af"
  • "Lekker Lekke" (2007)
  • "Voorwaarts Mars" (2008)
  • "Hemel op Tafelberg" (2009)
  • "Daar Doer in die Donker" (2008)
  • "Loslappie" (2009)
  • "Bloubergstrand se sonsak" (2010)
  • "Lekkerbekkie" (2011)
  • "Heidi" (2012)
  • "Stoomtrein" (feat. Snotkop) (2012)
  • "Kom bietjie hier" (2012)
  • "Cowboys en crooks" (2014)
  • "Dans op die Tafel (2014)
  • "Ek wens vir jou" (2015)
  • "Kaalvoet sokkie" (2016)
  • "Jy's 'n Legend' (2017)
  • "Selfie Song" (with Leah & Snotkop) (2017)

Songs in Dutch

  • "Voor Altijd" (2013)

Songs in English

  • "You"
  • "Standing on the Edge"
  • "Sunday"

As a Featured Artist

  • "Shame and Scandals" (Dr. Victor & the Rasta Rebels feat. Kurt Darren) (2012)

Kurt Darren's DVDs

  • 2005: Op Toer
  • 2008: Treffers Live
  • 2008: Die Video's

Kurt Darren's Movies

  • 2010: Liefling
  • 2010: Susanna van Biljon
  • 2010: The Race-ist
  • 2011: Ek lief jou
  • 2015: Stone Cold Jane Austen
  • 2017: Van Der Merwe

See also

  • List of Afrikaans singers
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