Brackenhurst singer makes a comeback

Philip van Greunen, affectionately known as Philip Green, has the world at his feet as he establishes himself as a country-western singer.

With the help of his agent, Ben Marais, he is working on his second hit song titled One of These Days, expected to be released soon.

Van Greunen has been entertaining Alberton for the past 26 years at karaoke shows, DJing at local clubs and singing at events.

“The early years weren’t that easy at all; I was one of 10 children. My father struggled to provide for us all and at age nine I was taken to a children’s home where I completed my school career. At 14, I was chosen to be a lead singer in a children’s home band called The Country Kids,” he said.

Growing up, his talent was recognised by scouts, which paved a way for more opportunities.

“We used to play at school functions. At the time I was also part of the Bloemfontein Boys Choir, equivalent to the Drakensberg Boys Choir. Upon completing school, I returned to Gauteng and started singing on weekends at country show venues like Bapsfontein, Fiestaland and Hennops Pride,” said van Greunen.

He then started working at South African Railways, but that did not stop him from following his passion for music.

“I started doing promotions at various furniture shops, where I would sing and promote their products. I also formed my own five-piece band called Philip Green and The Five Star Band. We did shows on weekends in Kempton Park,” he said.

In 1994 he decided to venture into karaoke shows in Alberton and later entered a major karaoke competition in Germiston, where he walked away victorious.

“I competed against some of the best singers in the province. I won that competition and was crowned the King of the Palace,” he said.

He then released his first single called Gold right after competing in the karaoke competition.