Gerhard Steyn builds a formidable career on a rock of faith

Known for adding numerous loved gems to SA’s musical treasure chest, including the hit Baby Tjoklits, Gerhard is not ashamed of talking about his Christian moral beliefs, his hope in God, his spiritual journey and his love for the country.

For the last seven years Gerhard, originally from Benoni, has lived in Boksburg, and he still loves staying in this bustling East Rand city, along with his wife, Zelri Enslin, whom he married in 2013.

The couple’s sudden engagement is also a testimony of divine will and God’s plan in their lives, as they both knew by faith they were truly meant to be together.

Zelri was still at school when a very special friendship developed between Gerhard and her parents.

Her dad, George Enslin, was Gerhard’s drummer and still is today. Seven years ago her mom, Tilla, became his manager, and the rest is history.

This couple has no intention of moving abroad, despite the social storms that blow throughout South Africa.

Gerhard, who has built a very successful career, with 10 albums, told the Advertiser there is something special about being able to tell one’s own life story through music.

“Through such story-telling, I believe you will give hope to others to also tell their stories, and by that means you find inner healing,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what has happened in your life or where you are, there is always hope, for God is hope and he can use anybody to make a difference.”

The artists boldly declared his faith back in 2012, when the gospel album Nuwe Krag hit the shelves.

Even though some may have wondered if Gerhard did not jump on the bandwagon, as gospel albums remain popular merchandise, the local artist said this was anything but the case.

“This was not about making money. This was not about pulling a cheap marketing stunt,” said Gerhard, who carries his heart on his sleeve when making music.

“Actually, this album was launched very low key. It was an album that I really wanted to make to express my belief and faith in Jesus.

”Despite a minimal marketing effort, even I was surprised that it reached gold status.”

The album highlighted Gerhard’s life journey and served as a reminder of where he finds his true inspiration and strength.

This was. however, not the last time he made a bold statement of faith.

Back in 2013, along with Pastor Andries Enslin, from the Alberton Life Centre, he launched the “Saamstaan”-initiative.

It involved a gathering of people for the purpose of uniting the country – no matter race or colour – and uniting the people with God..

At the time, Gerhard told the Advertiser that while it is true that crime and violence are out of control, it is simply not good enough just to wait for God to do something.

He stressed that faith in action is needed and that a statement needs to be made that South Africa needs God’s guidance to lead the people through the wilderness.

“It is vital for people to go on their knees and pray, especially in these times,” he said.

The initiative served as a testimony to Gerhard’s spiritual journey, which has intensified with the passing of the years.

He points out that he has definitely, throughout the years, grown along with his fans as a person, and his maturity and positive outlook on life are translated into his music.

His journey of faith of late took on a new complexion when he starred in two faith movies.

In 2015, he appeared in the role of Will Olwage in the film Forsaken, directed by Willie Olwage. He has also played in the Afrikaans film Sewentig x 7.

Gerhard does not deny crime is rampant in South Africa, or that the country faces a myriad of problems, but for him the answer needs to be found on a divine level.

“It is not God’s plan for us to live in fear or to live behind high walls. I still love this country and I know there are many other people who love this land, so it is time to fight for it with faith and prayer.

“It does, however, begin by returning to God, to seek Him again and to live with morality and integrity. It is about showing love for God, oneself and one’s neighbour.

“This country needs to take hands across all race groups and bring an end to racism. We will not build this country with hate or intolerance.”

Gerhard believes there is nothing so powerful as a nation that draws closer to God and prays.

“This means we need to first get our own homes in order before this land will be healed. It, therefore, begins with every individual and in every town.”

Regarding his musical calling, Gerhard said he believes he has not been called to merely sing in churches, but to walk the stages of the world so that, through his music, he can make a positive difference.

“Nuwe Krag was out and out a gospel CD, but as with my last three albums and with my future work, I will keep on merging the spiritual elements of life with a commercial approach,” he explained.

“I still discover that people find some kind of spiritual hope or some kind of life truth in songs I sing, be they gospel or commercial. This is the power of music and the power of one’s own life story.”

In 2015, he appeared in the role of Will Olwage in the film Forsaken, directed by Willie Olwage.

He has also played in the Afrikaans film Sewentig x 7.

His three latest albums, Brood en Melk, Liefdesoorlog (including duets with Anais) and Afrikaanse Meisies (which included many of his hits) are all tours de force of creativity and inspiration, as friendship, patriotism and the quest for love come to the fore as themes.

Gerhard, always ambitious and original as an artist, still believes one has to pursue and follow one’s dreams to truly find peace and contentment.

“Stay true to that dream and live it, because in that dream one will find the inspiration to be an inspiration to others,” said Gerhard, whose talent, uniqueness and vision have made him an artist of note throughout the years.

He recalls how life was not always easy for him, and it was only in 2008, with the album Breekbaar, that he reached a high point of success, especially as it featured hits like Baby Tjoklits.

By that time Gerhard, whose music career started with the South African band Windpomp, had already released solo albums Teen die Berg in 2004, followed by Sestien Songs in 2006.

“At my concerts I will usually sing Baby Tjoklits after a song that expresses my faith, such as Soldaat van God. People will question what this commercial hit has to do with my spiritual journey,” he said.

“One needs to understand that Baby Tjoklits was my breakthrough song and it was quite unexpected.

”I believe it is a song that was placed in my heart and that has set me on my journey that has taken me to greater heights as a person and in my career.

“It is because of Baby Tjoklits that I can produce music and perform throughout the country, and in this process live out my faith.”

Gerhard is also a songwriter, has done voice-overs and dabbled in acting.

His 11th album, to be released later in the year, attests to a career of soaring success and popularity, but, as he points out, it has been a career that has been built on his relationship with God.