Shaun van Niekerk is living his dream as one of the founding members and lead singer of Held van Harte.

Van Niekerk was brought up in Ermelo with two brothers.

He said about Ermelo: “It’s a small town where everyone knows everyone.

“Everyone has big dreams, some chase after them and others just enjoy dreaming.”

He attended Laerskool JJ Van Der Merwe and pursued his secondary education at Ermelo High School.

“There are so many awesome teachers, but my favourite primary school teacher was probably Mr Hennie Matthee and in high school, Ms Elsa Matthee, Ms Petro Bouwer and Ms Theodora Boshoff.

During his youth, Van Niekerk participated in sport, but also loved the arts. 

Two of his fondest memories of his childhood were when he represented South Africa in 1999 as a karateka in the Netherlands at the age of 12 and the other was singing for a band in 2004.

“I knew that day I was destined to be a performer.”

Van Niekerk said: “When I was young, I always dreamed of being a performing artist.”

When the Highvelder asked what his leisure-time activities are, he said being a full-time musician and doing what he loves is leisure-time for him every day, all day.

A moment he said he’ll never forget was hearing their debut single “Die Lig” on the radio for the first time.

“Our second single “Legkaart” was also voted best new release on Groot FM for two weeks in a row.” 

Held van Harte has also opened a show for Demi-Lee Moore, which was sold out.

Van Niekerk has a strong belief in treating everyone with honesty and respect.

Held van Harte will be performing at Hoërskool Ermelo’s Auditorium on 4 November, don’t miss it!

Read the complete article in the Highvelder newspaper.