Heinrich Frans

Heinirich entered the music industry as a professional singer at the age of 11. His journey as a singer began as a member of the St. George’s Cathedral (boys and men’s) Choir.  He soon joined both the Tygerberg Children’s Choir and subsequently the Pro Cantu Youth Choir.  These choirs toured extensively and competed both nationally and internationally.  His career spans solo performances with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (under the direction of, Bernard Gueller), live performances as lead and backing vocalist for Allou April, Ernie Smith, Wanda Baloyi, The Camillo Lombard Collective, Mynie Grové ,and recording sessions as lead and backing vocalist for, Vusi Khumalo and Ivan Mazuze.  He has also performed as lead and backing vocalist for international artists such as Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Oleta Adams, Diana Ross, Bebe Winans, Josh Groban and Mark Fransman’s Strait and Narro.

Between 2004 and 2009, he performed as lead vocalist for a Jazz-duo, trio and quartet that he had established for live performances. Some of his work is well-documented on commercially available albums such as: “Jazz Rendezvous”, “G-Spot Grooves”, Ivan Mazuze’s, “Maganda”, Vusi Khumalo’s, “Reasons for Seasons”, Neville D Presents, by Neville Diedericks and Mozambican-born drummer, composer, arranger and producer, Frank Paco’s, Buyanini.

Heinrich has served as a vocal coach, judge and musical director for the annual, Shoprite Topstars singing competition. As an Audio Engineer, he has worked with top artists like Kyle Shepherd, and mixed and mastered the music for the hit television show, “Koortjies Met Jonathan Rubain” on, “kykNET & kie”. He has also performed (as a singer) for Heads of State including, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton and Thabo Mbeki.

At Journey to Jazz he presents the Heinrich Frans Duo.