Neil grew up in Bethal, Mpumalanga and is a born musician. He has since he can remember always been fond of singing. “Music has always been a part of my life since I could talk and was always in my blood. My musicality comes from my father’s side. He is passionate about music and plays guitar, bass guitar and was also a member in several bands. My father taught me the basics of playing guitar and I then went on to master it myself. Today I also play the acoustic guitar and harmonica.”
Although his whole life was spent on activities such as revue, university serenade groups and even a member of the Highveld Children’s Choir, he started to make a name for himself in 2003 when his mother enrolled him for a singing competition in Jeffrey’s Bay. He won the competition and decided that his future lay in music and not in Civil Engineering, which he was studying at the time. He discontinued his studies and started working as a barman and performing in restaurants. During this time, his path crossed with songwriter, Kobus Bezuidenhout, who would later become the main songwriter on his debut album. When Neil heard of his nomination in the South Africa Music Awards he was excited and very happy to be considered. “It has not sink in yet and grateful to other musicians for the inspiration. I want to win this award but it wont be easy as i’m competing with musicians like Elvis Blue who are talented and experienced. Neil told Stokvel Talk that he spends most of his spare time playing golf and doing braai with his close friends.
SAMA NOMINEE: Neil Somers ready to compete
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