Vernon Barnard – Biography Singer, Songwriter, Motivational Speaker

Vernon Barnard, born in 1993 in Strand, Western Cape, is a well-known South African singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. He gained national recognition as a finalist on The Voice South Africa in 2016 and made global headlines with his blind audition of One Direction’s Story of My Life, which garnered over 28 million views on YouTube and 32 million on Cienradio.com, a South American online platform.

The video was named one of the best performances and most emotional renditions of a song on various social media platforms. Vernon’s music career has flourished in both English and Afrikaans, earning numerous awards and nominations. His debut English single, I Like It That Way, was named Best National Song of the Year at the 2017 OFM Golden Note Awards. His Afrikaans debut, Daai Liedjie, was nominated for several awards, including three Bokkie Awards and a Huisgenoot Tempo Award. His first album, Deur Jou Oë, sold thousands of copies and was nominated for a Ghoema Award in 2019.

Known for his raw, emotional storytelling and powerful voice, Vernon’s singles have frequently topped the South African music charts. He is also currently establishing himself as a music producer and vocal coach, with many exciting projects on the horizon. Vernon regularly appears on popular South African TV shows such as Noot vir Noot, Lirieke Raai, Expresso, and Bravo, and has performed at some of the country’s biggest festivals, including KKNK and Aardklop. Internationally, he has also toured Hong Kong, which he considers a career highlight. In addition to his music, Vernon is a dedicated motivational speaker who inspires audiences with his personal journey and life philosophy: “Turn Your Pain Into Power.”

He has hosted various events, including the OFM Own It series and corporate team-building seminars. With his unwavering passion for inspiring others and his undeniable talent, Vernon Barnard leaves a lasting impact—both on and off the stage.