Reviews on Andre de Villiers gospel singer and songwriter

André de Villiers has a remarkable story to tell, a story of God’s amazing up-to-the-minute grace. His testimony is both relevant and powerful yet flows out of deep humility, brokenness and gratitude. André is real, transparent, down to earth and compassionate. He has a servant heart, a great sense of humour and is an effective communicator. God is using him to reach into the lives of all kinds of people in all kinds of places from prisons to schools to churches. His ministry spans the generations.

The defining moments in André’s rich but painful life experiences have been woven into the music he writes and the songs he sings. There is deep soul significance in every song and together with the story of his personal journey, God will continue to use André de Villiers to touch the lives of countless people with the life transforming message of the good news about Jesus.

I thank God for André’s ministry in my own life, family and church. It is such a pleasure to recommend him.

John Broom
Senior Pastor, Meadowridge Baptist Church

"Andre is a very gifted singer / songwriter. His songs have a genuine message to them and he sings them with a real anointing. Andre has been serving Jesus for approximately 20 years. During the last 2 years he has traveled with me extensively around South Africa and abroad where we have done many meetings together. I can recommend Andre as a humble, talented, anointed and ethical music ministry. His

gift will bless and edify wherever it goes. I have no hesitation in highly recommending him..."

"Andre is one of the most refreshing ministries I have heard in recent years. His relaxed approach, beautiful voice and sincere faith combined with brilliant lyrics captivate you and speak volumes in each song. With Andre it is more than just music, it is a ministry experience”. Danny Guglielmucci ..."

"For Years South Africa has been blessed by the message and the music of Andre de Villiers. At last the rest of us may enjoy the privilege. Lyrics and music from the transparent soul of man who lives to declare the goodness and faithfulness of God, will move you to a deeper place in the Lord. Don't miss him!..."

"Since meeting Andre many years ago, I’ve been increasingly amazed at the warmth and sincerity of the man and his music. In addition to his professionalism, Andre will reach out and touch your heart with the way he takes you on a musical journey through life. I highly recommend Andre as an artist & ministry and know he will be a blessing to any group of people as he pours out his heart through his music..."

"Andre de Villiers is one of those rare finds, an incredible musician, a talented songwriter and a very humble Child of God. I have known Andre from his pre- christian days and have marveled in the way that God has changed him, molded him, gifted him and used him. I met up with Andre again, about five years ago, after a period of many years away from Cape Town, and our friendship has grown and deepened. It's always a blessing to be with him whether it be in his recording studio or having coffee at some coffee shop. I come away feeling that life is good. Andre has ministered in my congregation at Goodwood Methodist on a number of occasions, always with a great response and with a sense of having been touched by God. His music has a depth and a Spirituality about it which is immediately evident to the hearer. If you have not heard Andre, and been blessed by his gift of music, get to one of his concerts or invite him to your church. There's a blessing waiting!"

"On Thursday evening, the 21 April 2005, Andre De Villiers gave a concert to the whole school. Many South Africans know him as the man who plays his guitar and sings in the Volkswagen Motor Car advertisements! He sang songs about the different experiences in his life and interspersed the music with video clips from the TV adverts.

In the lyrics Andre tells how his faith in Christ has enabled him to withstand and conquer enormous adversity. As the performance went on so the boys became more and more subdued and by the end of it one could have heard a pin drop. They then gave him a lengthy standing ovation. It was a privilege and pleasure as well as deeply thought provoking to listen to Andre’s life story through his music and I am most grateful to him for coming to Michaelhouse ..."

“Having seen musicians of all descriptions through the years, you don’t expect to be surprised anymore – I was with Andre.The combination of an authentic life, a genuine humility and insightful lyric was so powerful. He invites you into his story and his music becomes deeply personal. It’s a special experience to have Andre sing and share into your life”

“His music and speaking challenge people to function as God's family. He bridges the generations with songs that bring joy, laughter and tears. He has a simple but yet profound way of presenting the Gospel. I have seen Andre minister in large conferences as well as maximum security prisons and the impact on both is profound. What a gifted man of God.”

Andre de Villiers visited our Church in London twice - what a blessing!
Andre has such a gentle spirit. While he was ministering we all were touched by his beautiful music and his testimony - but also more that...

We were touched because we could sense that this man is like Enoch - walking with God. He is like Moses - the friend of God. And God used His friend and He touched us.

It really was a very special morning for us. We’re honored by both your music and your story of Gods amazing grace at work in your family.
We look forward to working with you again.
Rev. Marcus Bennet

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ANDRE DE VILLIERS PERFORMANCE
For forty five minutes the family of Victoria Park High was kept spell-bound by this remarkable man. In his relaxed style he shared his music, experiences, fame, testimony and life with us.

The pupils loved his music and laid back sense of humour, but the message that he brought will be the thing that long remains in memory.

He tough us about love, loyalty and family bonds, using his life as an example of both good and bad decisions. Many teachers and pupils reached for handkerchiefs as they personally identified with him and his experiences.

His personal testimony then brought a strong anti-drugs message that pupils could identify with. The fact that his families and his life was saved by his faith in God, made a huge impression on all in the hall.

Andre' Devilliers is a rare breed of musician. Having known mainstream success and acclaim, he seems undeterred by the bright lights of fame and intent upon encouraging the church and reaching the lost with his unique brand of storytelling through songs. His unassuming persona and well - crafted songs carry with them an anointing that has enabled him to build bridges with a large and diverse audience over two decades. I also know him as a man of great accountability and humility, who loves the church and is intent on living out what he sings. I believe that increasingly God will use him as a father to many music ministers, and I wholeheartedly commend him to you.

"Andre de Villiers is somebody who loves the Lord with all his heart. He uses his fantastic music and writing skills to give us a unique look at life, especially family life. He tells stories with his music that one can identify with and challenge everyone about their own understanding of God and life. Thereby Andre becomes your friend, somebody who wants to encourage you on the journey of life."

Andre De Villiers has a unique gift in communicating the gospel in a contemporary and personal way. Our congregation is still talking about the effect his one visit has had on us. His conversational tone, gentle spirit and musical ability is combined with a winsome style that is simply outstanding. We cannot recommend him more highly.

The ministry in word and song of Andre de Villiers has been a great blessing all around the world. His clear testimony of salvation and commitment to Jesus Christ has been an inspiration to many, both within the context of Christian congregations, to large prison audiences as well as in public concerts. His individual style of songwriting and presentation brings a subtle yet clear message of hope through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
We at Camps Bay United Church in a suburb of Cape Town on the southern tip of the African continent, are pleased that Andre is a part of our congregation, and we commend his ministry as one which will bring praise to God, enjoyment and encouragement to listeners as well as hope for the hurting.

Yesterday was certainly a high point for us amidst the "hype" of school activities! Chapel service was special and the girls appreciated the classes you did deeply.
Your gentle style and powerful message is one God used and hopefully will use in the future here also

In a society that often only thinks of itself, Andre De Villiers exemplifies selflessness and humility. We were privileged to have him come to Pearson High School. He brought a powerful message of hope and purpose through the story of his life.

He was professional in everything he did. His music was inspirational and both staff and pupils were moved to tears.

Ultimately, the peace, which descended on the school for the rest of the day, encouraged both staff and pupils to reflect and live life to the fullest. Pearson High School was a changed school.

It would be an honour to have him back and he is an absolute must for all schools.

Andrè van Staden
Principal Pearson High School

Dear Andre

May I take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for the wonderful way in which you brought a very special message across to the school. It is never easy to hold the attention of 850 plus schoolboys aged between 14 and 18, all seated on the floor in uncomfortable conditions, but you managed it with the utmost humility and aplomb.

The obvious interest in your situation, in your music and in your message was confirmed by the fact that we sold out of your CDs!
You have a very special gift, and the ministry which you bring makes a huge impression on the boys. The feedback from both boys and staff has been wonderful - not a single negative comment!

I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your musical ministry to any school group, not only because of the quality, which was, as ever, simply superb, but also because of the sincerity and simplicity of your message.
You connect with them, hit them where they live, and you do not flinch from the truth.

Very few visitors to the school have been accorded a better reception, no matter what their topic, so your simple, honest Christian message must really have hit home! Certainly the Students Christian Association, already the largest society at the school, has been abuzz with excitement and has started some outreach ministries of its own as a result of your visit. You said you wanted to make a difference - and you most certainly have!

Neil Thompson
Grey college
Port Elizabeth

Wow, cool, awesome !! These were some of the words muttered by the boys after they had heard Andre talk and sing to them in the school hall. They could also have said the words, gentle and powerful. The staff did not say much. They did not have to because they were so visibly moved by what they had heard. Andre's message is delivered in a way that it finds the hearts of anybody and everybody. His story is compelling, his singing is fantastic, his style is laid-back and his message is inspiring. I know that he made a huge impression on the boys because since his visit all of my classroom lessons have been about what he said. These conversations were initiated by the boys themselves.

I encourage all schools to invite this gifted yet humble man of God to share his story with the staff and learners.

Revd. Gary Griffith-Smith
Chaplain, St.Andrew's College
Grahamstown, South Africa

Andre de Villiers did a short presentation of songs linked by brief comments in assembly at Edgemead High on Monday 21 February. The presentation went down extremely well – the pupils were amused, touched and entertained. Andre not only has a superb singing voice but he also manages to inspire people by weaving into his performance snippets of his life and family. His faith comes through in a quiet and sincere manner without ever preaching or pressing people to believe.

I can strongly recommend him to schools as a warm singer with a relevant but subtle message for young people – and old, for that matter.

Dr Malcolm Venter
HEADMASTER, Edgemead High

Dear Andre
Thanks very much for the show we enjoyed on Thursday. It is always great to have talented and successful Old Boys back at the School, but your visit went miles beyond the usual man in a suit who heads up a corporation ...
What especially impressed me was the way you held the boys' attention. Your years of stage experience and craft helped in that regard, but it was the quality of the content that really made such a difference. Afterwards, boys commented very positively that you presented moral choices and issues in a human, non-judgemental manner, and that they had not felt crowded but, rather, uplifted by your spiritual message. It cannot be easy to reach a group divided by religions and by cultures, but you managed to do that outstandingly.

I think too that you spoke of very basic and real emotions as they are played out in families. The relationship between a father and son is a crucial one, and I know that your show spoke positively to some young men who do not have fathers, or whose fathers have lacked the ability to play a constructive role in their lives.
All in all, a huge success!
Kind regards,

Chris Wren-Sargent
Deputy Principal, Rondebosch Boys High School

From the school and the boys' side Andre's concert was very appropriate in this day and age where there is a dearth of spiritual guidance and input for the youth. The story he told was real and this appealed to the audience, and the way his story unfolded through his medium of music had the hall of 750 plus eating out of his hand. His talent, his sincerity, and the wholesomeness of the message he gave is of value to any audience, even more so for teenagers.

Sincerely,

Matthew Guiney
Deputy Headmaster, S.A.C.S Boys High School

Andre's ministry never fails to challenge people. I have had the joy of hearing him minister at our school in Hertfordshire and also on mission in Chennai and Pondicherry in South East India, and have seen many lives changed on these occasions. His integrity and his simple love for Jesus are conveyed powerfully in his music as he shares his testimony.

Clive Case
Principal of The King's School in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.