12-year-old musician doesn’t hold back

At age 12, Kevin Olckers has managed to attain achievements far more than most of his peers.

Kevin is a multitalented musician who started playing drums at age two, he is a vocalist and also excellently plays the concertina.

Kevin dreams of one day becoming a professor specialising in natural biological science.

The Grade Six learner at Laerskool Orion is a brother to three siblings and also plays rugby for the school.

Kevin said: “I have a busy life, but I am able to make time for everything and music is like therapy to me.”

In May 2020, he will be writing his Grade Three exams in drums and later during the year he will write his Grade Four exams through Trinity College London.

He has shared a stage with his musician father, Jurie Olckers, and numerous other artists such as Blackie Swart.

In the order of his priority list, according to Kevin, he prioritises his academics, rugby and then music.

Jurie describes Kevin as a disciplined learner who is passionate about his craft.

“He’s an A-student and his dream has always been to become a medical scientist. He is energetic, knowledge-hungry and an achiever,” said Jurie.

Due to his commitment, in the first quarter of Grade Five, he received 100 per cent for mathematics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born into music

Kevin is born to musician parents Jurie and Melanie Olckers.

The youngster’s father, also an entrepreneur, has been a professional musician for 32 years.

Jurie is guitarist who regards himself as a “learnt musician”.

Kevin is named after one of South Africa’s most influential drummers, Kevin Matthys, and he is adamant to walk in the famous drummer’s shoes.

Bright future ahead

Kevin is also a member of the Moerby Band, an Alberton-based band which was established late last year.

Through the band, Kevin has had an opportunity to grace spectators during Alberton Day and Raceview Motors’ birthday bash with a spectacular performance.

He wishes to be a better musician than his father, the person he considers as his mentor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The youngster’s also plays the concertina.

He started playing it at age 10 and that led him into composing his concertina song, Lalie se Vastrap, a song he named after his dog.

He has performed locally and through his music has travelled to the Free State.

He also worked with his father in recording an album titled Henke Vorster en die Rebelle with songs Helena Tango and Boere Biscuit among others.

Young Kevin thanked the support he received from his school teachers, Manie Scholtz and Mark van Rooyen, for encouraging him to follow his passion for rugby.

Moving forward, the youngster and his father are looking at tackling big stages.