André Kempen and music are inseparable.
André started playing piano at the age of 5. He is classically trained and wanted to become a concert pianist, but God had other plans.
He matriculated at the Johannesburg School for Art, Music and Ballet in 1971. He won the "Charles Manning" Cup for the best pianist in the then Transvaal, which later became the northern provinces of South Africa being Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces.
In 1985 the Lord called him into full time ministry. In the same year he wrote I Lift My Hands to the Coming King (No foreign Gods). This song is prophetic and resonates with people all over the world that long for the second coming of Christ. We know of mainland assemblies and tribal people on remote Islands that sing the song today. It has been translated into more than 30 languages. It is timely for now in the end times.
David & Goliath, song about an epic battle
Writing In 1985 he also wrote an Afrikaans kiddies song called "Dawid en Goliat” (David and Goliath, a story which depicts the battle of a physically small child that faced a giant that is threatening his family and country) This song is trans-generational. Many children who learnt this song in 1985 still know it and have sung and taught it to their children and their children are learning the song. “David and Goliath” also has a prophetic message. The fight between good and evil which resonates in every human spirit.
Underwater Piano
In 1991 André recorded an underwater piano video in the Durban Aquarium, that today still has a ripple effect on YouTube. The song can be viewed here. The underwater video is called I Exalt Thee and it portrays Jonah in the whale’s stomach. On the third day, while still in the belly of the whale, Jonah brought a sacrifice of thanksgiving and the whale spat him out.
An Instruction and a Miracle
In 1986 André and his family suffered a traumatic event. André explains: “My dear brother was involved in a head on car crash. He was unsaved. The Lord told me to sit at the piano and bring Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As I did it, the Lord spoke to me and said: I’ll save your brother.The music will play on
Melody - Harmony - Symphony
The music will play on:
It’s a simple melody
It’s a simple harmony
And the music takes me back
to a place I long to be
I can soar on eagle’s wings
Far above the sky
Far above the clouds
Jesus You and I together
You and I forever
It’s a simple melody
It’s a simple harmony
It’s a symphony