Simon Seekoei

Simon Seekoei, a multi-award-winning gospel artist, hails from Tiervlei (now Ravensmead) in the Northern Suburbs of the Cape Flats. His music is a genuine reflection of his hometown roots and family heritage in the rural areas. Growing up, Simon was exposed to diverse musical influences, including his father's love for choir music, church hymns, classical music, and local sounds from the platteland.

As a young man, Simon sang in the church choir and later became a 19-year-old youth leader in his Ravensmead congregation. He began rearranging traditional gospel hymns, seeking a more contemporary approach. This led to the formation of the legendary gospel group, Jesus Company, which shifted musical boundaries and made Simon's unique mark on South African gospel music.

With Jesus Company, Simon penned iconic songs like "The Devil Has a Fine Cheek" and "We Don't Need to Compromise." They were the first gospel group from their community to appear on national television. Simon's solo career, launched in 1982, gave birth to Simon and the Community Singers, who became the voice of the struggle in gospel music.

Their impact was immense, with songs like "We See a New South Africa" and "Cry Freedom" resonating nationally. They performed in nightclubs, political rallies, and even completed a successful six-week UK tour, leading to an international contract.

In the 1990s, Simon transitioned to Afrikaans music, recognizing the need for Afrikaans soul. This led to numerous CDs, including "Ja, Daar Wil Ek Gaan" and "My Gees, My Siel, My Liggaam." He pioneered local soul with albums like "Ek Skaam My Nie" and "Met My Hart en My Siel."

Simon's 2012 Afrikaans album, "Dankbaar," celebrated his 40-year gospel music career and 60th birthday in 2016. His latest English contemporary album, "Changing Times," marks a bold return to his musical roots.

Throughout his career, Simon has written hundreds of songs sung in congregations nationwide and internationally. His music spans multiple languages, including Zulu and Tswana. He has produced over 50 albums, mentored numerous artists, and written over 500 songs in English and Afrikaans.

Simon's contributions have earned him recognition from academic institutions and the Afrikaans mainstream media. He is proudly local, with his music registered as Khoi music. An author as well, Simon's latest books include "Coloured... To Be or Not to Be," "Grace Beyond Divorce," and the forthcoming "The Miseducation of the Church" (2024).