Martin Kernekamp

From Ambition to Adversity

From a young age, Martin Kernekamp, formerly known as Skorsie, pursued a dream of becoming a famous and successful musician at any cost. Inspired by the likes of David Kramer and Anton Goosen during his teenage years, he embraced music with a fearless drive, performing relentlessly at venues across South Africa. From the KKNK to local and national festivals, he chased every opportunity to sing, entertain, and connect.
His journey took an unexpected turn when he was involved in a car incident, knocked over and left unable to move for weeks. This traumatic event forced Martin to pause and confront deeper questions about life, purpose, and direction. What followed was not only a physical recovery but a personal transformation.

A New Purpose Through Sound

In the aftermath of the accident, Martin entered a new chapter of self-reflection and spiritual searching. He began to re-evaluate what music meant to him and how it could be used not just for fame, but for healing and connection. This second phase of his journey led to a more grounded and meaningful approach to his career, less about chasing the spotlight, and more about crafting thoughtful, therapeutic music experiences for his audiences.

Martin’s sound is rooted in melodic rock and middle-of-the-road classics, music that touches people across generations and cultures. His setlist is rich with timeless songs from artists like Neil Diamond, Bryan Adams, Chris Rea, Elvis, Don Williams, Alan Jackson, and the Beatles, sprinkled with a “slight tone of upbeat pop and rock from Status Quo and popular 80s hits. He also honours his Afrikaans roots, often including local party favourites from Steve Hofmeyr, Kurt Darren, and others that energize diverse crowds.

Driven by a desire to unite people through music, Martin looks up to legends like Johnny Clegg, PJ Powers, and Mandoza. He dreams of one day fusing these multicultural influences into a sound that bridges ethnic divides.

Milestones and Musical Legacy

Martin’s career has seen standout highlights: performing on the television show Dis Hoe Dit Is with Steve Hofmeyr, singing before 8,000 people at the Kirkwood Wildsfees, and opening for Thomas Anders with his university band in Bloemfontein. A career highlight came in 2010, when he sang at a multicultural stadium event just before a FIFA World Cup match, an unforgettable moment of unity through music.
Having trained vocally with Mandy Gurr and studied guitar under Dr. Howard Nock, Martin continues to evolve as a musician. His current mission is clear: to share the Source of Life through music, joyfully and authentically, reminding audiences that music is not just entertainment, but therapy for the soul.