Cornelius Gerhardus (Niél) Kruger was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the 22nd of April 1989, but spent most of his childhood in Potchefstroom, South Africa. At age 12 he moved back to Johannesburg where he completed his high school education. 

 

From an early age Niél showed signs of musical aptitude, hosting little concerts for his family (only 20 cents entrance fee) and singing in provincial and national choirs. Niél started learning the keyboard at age 9, around the same time he started writing ditties and melodies on his tiny Yamaha keyboard . At age 11 he started learning to play the guitar and by age 12 he had put together his first band named "Ertz".

 

He decided to take music as subject in high school and completed Grade 1 - 7 on the classical guitar in a mere 3 years.

 

Niél is also a self-taught drummer and is proficient on the bass guitar and harmonica. This enables him to perform impressive one-man-band sets by playing  multiple instruments simultaniously. Niél formed part of many musical projects throughout his journey as songwriter and instrumentalist before choosing to focus on his career as a solo artist. He still collaborates with other artists on a regular basis.

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Today, Niél often performs at live music venues as well as private events such as weddings and corporate functions. When he is not on stage, Niél is either in studio recording his original music or spending time at home with his wife and kids.

 

Niél's first single release of 2023, "Surface", made it to the number 1 spot on the Mix FM SA Top40 chart, and to the number 19 overall position for 2023. After this single, he has released another three singles namely "Over It",  "Love of the Century" and "Worthy", the last of which was featured at number 3 on the Daily Top 10 chart on Australian radio station Valley FM in July of 2024.