From the hardship of Mitchell’s Plain on the Cape Flats in Cape Town, this dedicated entertainer has risen to the top ranks of the South African live music industry. Through raw power and sheer determination – and not forgetting a unique talent – he’s become an inspiration to millions.
With every performance, Brandon confirms his star status; fans love his ever-smiling approachability, while his management and clients are even more impressed by the young workhorse’s dedication and professionalism. And then, of course, there’s the voice; no big deal to a young man who grew up in a family full of singers, but irresistible to his audiences, whether he’s belting out a pop classic or crooning a love song.
After studying graphic design and multi-media, he was awarded a Creative Directors’ Forum Bursary to study Art direction at Cape Town’s Red and Yellow School.
In fact, if a work colleague hadn’t entered him in Idols, the advertising industry would have swallowed him up whole. Brandon was perfectly happy working in art direction and creative design for Johannesburg’s B&C Group, where he’d been ensconced since 2000. But after being hailed as runner-up and the “people’s choice” in the reality show’s first hit season, his future changed – luckily for music fans.
"But listening to him sing confirms something else -- that October is the ultimate character actor. He isn't cool the way a pool hustler is cool. Brandon is cool like saffron -- exotic and rare. He doesn't say, 'I am this, I am that.' He says, 'I am all of these things.'"
He has been swamped with live performances, competition judging product launches, corporate entertainment, motivational speaking, MC work, charity functions and event appearances since appearing on Idols. The highlight of 2002 for Brandon was his performance at the opening ceremony of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, for which he was asked to sing the summit theme song to all delegates and millions of television viewers around the world.
A while later, at The Klein Karoo Big Band Pops Evening, he was thrilled to share the stage with esteemed South African musicians like Amanda Strydom, Gloria Bosman, Coenie De Villiers, Koos Kombuis, Nataniël.
His peers also have great respect for this young man and the list of performers he often accompanies in song are Patricia Lewis, Judith Sephuma, Boom Shaka’s Lebo, Timothy Moloi, Sarah Theron, TK, Bianca La Grange, Danie Niehaus, Juanita, Robin Walsh, to name but a few.
He’s appeared on top-rated TV shows such as “Dis Hoe Dit Is” with Steve Hofmeyer, the ever-popular “Noot vir Noot”, “Blonde Ambisie met Patricia Lewis”, Jip, K-TV, Kwela, The Felicia Show, as well as many live performances for international guests.
Ever popular, he was asked to co-present a 13 episode lifestyle program, an Afrikaans show called “Voila” which had the highest ratings of all the shows on Kyknet at the time.
He has performed in New Orleans, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, London and New York. From festivals to Bar Mitzvahs to corporate awards evenings; from launches to more intimate birthday parties and weddings, this young performer has done it all. Blessed with the ability to perform to backing track and as easily as he does with a band or large orchestra, Brandon’s versatility means he is yet to have a disappointed audience.
The prestigious Miss Windhoek Show pageant was another milestone, when he not only sang, but also acted as MC. Most recently he has appeared nationwide as the guest artist on the much-anticipated Noot vir Noot Roadshow along with Johan Stemmet and Johan Van Rensburg. His debut international performance was in New Orleans, where he performed to an audience of 9000 people, was greeted with critical acclaim.
Brandon’s debut album, released in October 2003,
was nominated for a 2004 SAMA award in the category of Best Pop album.
His ability to work with equal flair in English and Afrikaans has made Brandon
a popular corporate entertainer, with many companies booking him repeatedly.
His list of corporate clients is extensive and includes:
o Toyota
o MTN
o Vodacom
o VW
o Shoprite Group of Companies
o ABSA
o Old Mutual
o Spar
o Miller Breweries (Performance in New Orleans)
o SAB
o Richards Bay Zululand Expo
o National Ports Authority
o Price and Pride Awards
o FNB
o Avroy Schlain
o Netcare
o Standard Bank
o CSIR
o Diskom
o ABI
o Glaxo-Smith Kline Beecham
o Mosaic Industry of South Africa
o Sun International
o Waterford Wine Estate
o SAACI Showcase
o The Clicks Group of Companies
o The JD Group of Companies
o Rentokil
o 2004 Loerie Advertising Awards
o Miss Rooi Roos Beauty Pageant
o Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant
o Showgroup World
o Omage
o The Event Company
o VWV
o Novaritis
o Safmarine
o Coca Cola
o Miss Windhoek Show
o Miss Palm Beach Festival
o Clanwilliam Cederberg Festival
o Saldanah Bay National Ports Authority Festival
o International Cape Town Fashion Week 2004
o Fairbridge Mall Shopping Centre Launch
In addition to his corporate clients Brandon has also performed as singer and MC at various Festivals, Beauty Pageants, Fairs, and Shopping Centre launches, Concert Venues across the country.
“I just believe that people can achieve anything they want to, if they
put their minds to it. You have to believe in it and want it enough, for it
to happen”.