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Ontkiem grew out of the desire of five musicians that each felt a calling on their lives to use their musical abilities to touch a generation by serving their Savior, Jesus Christ. In 2008 Freddie Wessels, the lead vocal and founder of Ontkiem, came back from a tour in the United States with a prophetic word and a burning desire to do what God has called him to do. Freddie felt that God was taking him into a new direction of music ministry.

Freddie began his singing career at the age of three, when he took first prize at a singing competition. By the time he turned eight, he had recorded his first album "U WEET DIE BESTE". A second album followed and by 1998, Freddie had joined Brettian Productions. The recording of "PLEK VIR TWEE" took place under the watchful eye of producer Danny Antill. The album did extremely well and was chosen as "Keur Magazine's" Children's album of the year. Freddie's fourth album "MY ALPHA MY OMEGA" was released in May 2000. His most recent success was his latest album, "THESE WINGS" a collection of well-known and original ballades. Two of these ballade songs are featured on the CD " 'n Huldebyk Aan Jou... Vrou ". Freddie also forms part of the collaboration 'Imagine'. Imagine has come a long way since the formation of the collaboration just four years ago. With Leon Ferriera leaving the group at the end of 2008, Imagine consists of, Freddie, Raymond Cilliers and Mervis. Since 2005 Imagine have released five albums, which includes two live DVD recordings. These artists all have established successful music ministries and careers on their own, but together their voices are dynamic and inspirational. While Freddie was in the Unites States he received a text message from Piet de Wet, lead guitarist, asking if they could meet and talk about worshipping together as musicians.

Freddie then met up with Piet, Matt Fourie (Drummer) and Driaan Coetzer (Bass Guitarist) at the South African Music Institute (SAMI), where all four were currently studying at. Freddie then approached Rici Martins (Pianist) who was more then willing to join in the vision. "We really believe that God put us together by giving us the same dream and desire to minister and bring hope to a hopeless world," says Driaan. Freddie then approached Danny Antill, his producer and dear friend, to share his heart and vision of Ontkiem. At that time Freddie was due to record a new solo album, but felt rather to pursue the heart and vision of Ontkiem. The album is an Afrikaans Praise & Worship album with a rock feel to some of the upbeat tracks. With the expertise of producer Danny Antill, and the inputs of Jake Odendaal, Tian Odendaal and Vernon Hodges, the guys have produced an album that is of top quality and will surely touch the lives of many. By then end of May 2009, Ontkiem released Straatkind, their debut album.

All the songs were prayerfully written by Ontkiem, incorporating two powerful songs written by well known worship artist, Mervis. "We did not just write songs to fill an album, but the songs where birthed out of a heart of worship and spending intimate time with God," says Freddie. Ontkiem believe that they can be an inspiration and example to their generation, and that the music they make will be a strong ministry tool in the Kingdom and for those who need Jesus most!

Ontkiem - 1 Corinthians 15v36 "When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first."