Bok van Blerk

Bok van Blerk (born Louis Andreas Pepler; 30 March 1978) is a South African singer-songwriter who sings in Afrikaans. He became famous in 2006 for his rendition of "De la Rey" by Sean Else and Johan Vorster.

Though controversy attended the release of "De la Rey", South Africa's Department of Arts and Culture examined the debate and then wished van Blerk well with the song, writing officially that the department saw "no problem".

Early life and career Van Blerk went to school at Hoërskool die Wilgers in Pretoria. After his study, he spent time working abroad. (See "Bring Me My Machine Gun" for additional historical context.) At some of van Blerk's concerts, audience members were seen flying the Apartheid-era South African flag and the Transvaal flag, the Vierkleur, also associated with the Apartheid era. The Orange Free State flag (a historical Afrikaner state) is shown in a period scene in the music video. Huisgenoot, a widely read woman's magazine, asked Minister of Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan to comment. In its statement, the department lamented that the song could be hijacked by right-wingers, but wished the singer good luck. The department also stated that it had no problem with protests or mobilisation from the opposition, as long as they occur within the framework of democratic law.

Van Blerk is also clear that he does not align with the Boeremag: he does not believe violence to be a solution, and believes that General de la Rey was pro-peace. Van Blerk printed a disclaimer on the sleeve of his second album, Afrikanerhart: "Afrikanerhart does not call for any kind of revolution or uprising. It comes from the musical 'Ons vir Jou', and we simply wish to say that Afrikaners also shed blood while building South Africa. If we respect all our cultures and history, we together will make this country stronger". (Translated from the original Afrikaans)

Discography Title and detailsNotes Peak chartpositions SA De La Rey Type: Album Production: Mozi Records Distribution: Select Music Released: 2005 - Afrikanerhart Type: Album Distribution: Select Music Released: 2009 1 My Kreet Type: Album Distribution: Select Music Released: 2010 - Steek Die Vure Aan Type: Album Distribution: Select Music Released: 20137 Sing Afrikaner Sing Type: Album Distribution: Select Music Released: 20154 Van De La Rey Tot Nou Type: Album Distribution: Select Music Released: 201615 Hoor Ons! Type: Album Distribution: Select Music Released: 20191

Filmography Platteland (2011) As jy sing (2013) Vrou Soek Boer (2014) Leading Lady (2014) Blood & Glory (Modder en Bloed, 2018)