BIOGRAPHY OF KOBUS MULLER

Kobus Muller is a South African-born singer, songwriter, musician, and music producer currently residing in Berlin, Germany. He gained fame after winning the second season of the SABC 2 television show Supersterre in 2007, South Africa's equivalent of Deutschland sucht den Superstar (DSDS). Throughout the competition, millions of viewers cast their votes for Muller each week, highlighting his broad appeal and talent. His victory on Supersterre marked the beginning of his professional music career, earning him a recording contract with Sony Music and paving the way for further recognition in the music industry.

Muller has garnered acclaim both locally and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the global music scene. His music career has taken him to over 30 countries across 6 continents, underscoring his versatility and the profound impact of his musical evolution on diverse audiences worldwide.

From a young age, Muller exhibited a natural ability to play several instruments by ear, effortlessly picking up melodies and harmonies without relying on written sheet music. This innate talent sparked an early interest in songwriting and composition, leading him to write and compose his first song by the age of 9. His musical prowess also enhanced his singing talent, which he developed without formal vocal training.

Kobus is multilingual, speaking Afrikaans and English fluently, and has a good command of German, having conducted several radio and TV interviews and recorded multiple songs in the language. Throughout his career, Muller has recorded and released music in various languages, including German, Afrikaans, English, Italian, Dutch, Zulu, Sesotho, and Xhosa. His repertoire spans genres such as German Schlager, Pop, Rock, Dance, Country, and Power Ballads, often featuring strong classical elements.

Over the years, he has released more than 15 commercially successful albums, been featured on international artists' DVDs and albums, including several compilation projects, and received various awards, including gold status for album sales. Several of his recordings have achieved success on the Top 30 radio charts, and they have also reached Number 1 on both radio and album sales charts in South Africa and Europe. Additionally, Kobus holds the record in South Africa for the most CD sales in one day at an in-store promotion. Kobus's impressive online presence is highlighted by over 54.7 million video plays on ReverbNation, reflecting his significant global reach and audience engagement. The head of Sony Music's Afrikaans division cited Muller as an artist to watch during an interview with Billboard magazine, reflecting the industry’s recognition of his potential.

Muller released two albums with Sony Music, one of which achieved notable success. Within three months of its release, the album was on the verge of reaching Gold status and ultimately received a gold award from Sony Music in 2010 for its sales. Patricia Lewis and Keith Lister, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, served as executive producers for these albums. On a TV broadcast of Season 3 of Supersterre in 2010, he received a gold award from Sony Music for the sales of both his albums released in 2008 and 2009.

In 2009, Muller won a Eurostar Award in the Best Afrikaans Cover of a Eurovision Song by a Duet or Group category. The South African Eurovision president, Roy van der Merwe, praised Muller, stating, "He has one of the best voices I have worked with."

In 2013, Muller pursued an international career, signing with Toi Toi Toi Records in Hamburg, Germany. During this period, he released two 3-track singles, along with several additional recordings, remixes, and special 2-in-1 mixes that contributed to various European and international compilation albums. In 2016, Muller signed with Nextereo Records, which remains his current label. Under Nextereo, Muller has released various albums and singles internationally, further expanding his global presence. As a music producer, Kobus Muller has produced and co-produced a range of hit songs and albums that have been featured on television, included in award-nominated albums, and achieved Top 10 and Number 1 positions on radio charts. He is also a Certified Mastered for iTunes (now Apple Digital Masters) mastering engineer at Nextereo Records.

Muller is a well-regarded songwriter known for his contributions to the music industry. He is a member of the well-respected performance rights organization, the Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte (GEMA) in Germany. He has created several number-one hits for TV and radio charts, including those he co-wrote and co-composed, as well as tracks that have reached the Top 10 album charts and contributed to award-winning albums, some of which have achieved gold status for sales. Muller has also received numerous awards for his songs being in the Top 10 and for some of his most-played songs on South African radio. He has collaborated with established and successful songwriters and publishers; some of his works are sub-published with EMI Publishing and Sony/ATV Music Publishing. His work has been featured on releases from major notable labels, including Sony Music, Universal Music, EMI, Toi Toi Toi Records, Nextereo Records, and others.

Muller has toured with the British rock band Smokie as their warm-up act during their international tour. His performances on this tour are prominently featured on Smokie's DVD Smokie - Live in South Africa and their accompanying album, showcasing his performances of songs exclusively written and composed by him. He has also shared the stage with renowned acts such as Boney M, Dana Winner, and Westlife. During his local career, Muller undertook several solo tours across the country, as well as separate nationwide tours with prominent multi-platinum selling South African artists such as Nicholis Louw and Patricia Lewis, with the latter being part of the Supersterre tour.

He has appeared on several notable television and radio shows across South Africa and Europe, engaging in everything from interviews to voice acting, including a notable TV interview with Melodie TV in Germany. Muller co-hosted a radio programme at Radio Kragbron and did voice acting for the popular South African radio show Ratels on RSG. He also made appearances on the South African television soap opera 7de Laan on SABC 2 and served as a guest TV presenter for Fiësta in 2014, which aired on KykNet. Additionally, he was featured on the television programme DKNT multiple times in connection with several of his albums that made it onto the Top 10 album sales charts, remaining there for several weeks each time.

Kobus Muller achieved a significant milestone by performing the South African national anthem, "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika," at the AFASA gala dinner in the presence of President Jacob Zuma, who was the President of South Africa. Muller’s success on Supersterre was further recognized when he was honored as the public's favorite contestant on a special rebroadcast of the show, which also aired additional new episodes focusing on the progress of contestants from all seasons. This accolade underscores his enduring popularity and impact.

Over several years, Muller also performed at some of the biggest Afrikaans festivals, showcasing his talents to large audiences. He was a regular performer at the Kersfees Skouspel (Christmas Spectacular), one of the most significant and visually stunning Christmas concerts in South Africa. Among his notable achievements in 2018 was his performance at "Die Schlager des Sommers" in Germany. Renowned for its impressive lineup of prominent European artists, this festival provided Muller with a valuable opportunity to expand his audience and enhance his visibility within the European music scene. At this event, Muller shared the stage with prominent European artists, including Florian Silbereisen and Thomas Anders from Modern Talking. He also performed at INTERNORGA in Hamburg, a major trade fair for the food service and hospitality industry, where he was featured at their VIP function.

Additionally, Muller has performed multiple times as a guest artist on prestigious cruise lines, including MSC Cruises and AIDA Cruises. Kobus has been a distinguished performer at AIDA Cruises’ esteemed Club Treffen events, which are exclusive gatherings held on AIDA’s cruise ships that cater to their most loyal and discerning guests, providing an intimate and sophisticated setting for premier entertainment. He has also appeared on and performed in several AIDA Primetime TV shows and had the honor of serving as a judge for The Voice of the Ocean.

CHARITABLE WORK

Kobus Muller is deeply committed to giving back to the community through his involvement in impactful charitable events. His charitable endeavors reflect his mission to use his talent for the greater good, bringing hope and healing through music. As an adoptive child who grew up in a supportive family, Kobus has always felt a deep compassion for children who may not have had the same opportunities. He has actively participated in the annual charity Christmas show for the New Beginnings Orphanage, performed at a fundraising event for the Second Life Orphanage, and joined Celebs Unite Against Child Abuse.

He has supported events like the Cansa Relay for Life, a global initiative honoring cancer survivors, and contributed to the S.P.C.A. (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Additionally, Kobus participated in the Blikkies Fees, an event aimed at collecting food for charity, and the Jacaranda FM Winter Warmer Charity, which collects blankets for those in need during winter. His participation in these initiatives underscores his dedication to addressing hunger, poverty, and animal welfare. Muller’s charitable work also includes supporting school-building initiatives for underserved communities and performing at old age homes, providing essential educational opportunities and companionship to those in need.

CONCLUSION

With his diverse talents and achievements, Kobus Muller stands out as a versatile and influential artist. His ability to secure Top 10 and Number 1 positions on radio charts worldwide, coupled with his multilingual prowess, underscores his broad appeal across various local and international markets. Kobus’s commitment to both his craft and his community showcases a remarkable blend of artistic excellence and humanitarian dedication. His ongoing impact in the music industry and beyond reaffirms his place as a celebrated figure on the global stage.