Cathy Viljoen is a name synonymous with soul-stirring gospel music that speaks directly to the heart. With her powerful voice and heartfelt performances, she has left an indelible mark on the hearts of South Africans, particularly within the Christian community. Often referred to as “The Queen of Gospel Music,” this title reflects her talent, dedication, and enduring legacy. In a recent interview with The Vocalist magazine, Cathy shared her moving testimony, shedding light not only on her life’s journey but also on the essence of her music ministry. This article weaves her testimony with her remarkable career to offer a comprehensive tribute to a woman whose music carries messages of faith, hope, and love.
A Life Redeemed by Grace
Cathy’s story begins with a candid confession: “Before I came to salvation, I was deeply lost,” she told The Vocalist. Her life was once marked by darkness, but through her parents’ prayers and their trust in a living God, she found redemption. She firmly believes that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was for every lost soul—including her own. This faith led to a pivotal promise: “I vowed to the Lord that if it was His will and He opened the door for a recording, I would only sing gospel.” Within just ten days, God answered this promise through Hansie Roodt, a late but highly respected musician, who opened the first doors for her. Hansie’s son, also a talented musician, carries on his legacy.
Born on January 20, 1946, Cathy grew up with deep roots in South Africa and a love for music and faith. Her recording career began in 1976 with a clear purpose: to glorify God through her voice. Despite tempting offers from major record labels to sing secular music, she remained steadfast in her calling. “My voice is promised to the Lord,” she declared, and for over 46 years, she has sung only spiritual songs. This dedication has not only earned her a unique place in the gospel industry but also forged an authentic and lasting connection with her listeners.
A Musical Career Spanning Over Four Decades
Cathy Viljoen’s career spans more than 30 albums, showcasing her versatility and commitment to gospel music. Her debut album, U Stil Die Lewensstorms (You Calm the Storms of Life, 1981), followed by Kwel Jou Nie Meer (Fret No More, 1982), quickly established her as a force in the Christian music world. Her warm alto voice and sincere delivery resonated immediately with churchgoers and radio listeners. Over the years, she has embraced traditional hymns, contemporary worship ballads, and even country gospel, as seen in her popular 2005 album Country Gospel, which includes 25 tracks such as Somebody Touched Me and A Wedding Song.
Her ability to sing fluently in both Afrikaans and English has transcended cultural boundaries and built bridges between communities. Songs like Let Your Living Water Flow (English) and Die Man met die Purperkleed (The Man with the Purple Robe, Afrikaans) are delivered with equal passion and conviction, making her accessible to a wide audience. Albums such as Cathy Viljoen Collection (1990), I Believe, We Believe (1999), and Cathy Viljoen Collection Vol. 2 (2010) reflect her ability to convey timeless messages of faith and hope. Even in her seventies, she remains prolific, with recent works like Suid-Afrika Se 25 Gunsteling Pinksterkoortjies (South Africa’s 25 Favorite Pentecostal Choruses, 2020) and Genade (Grace, 2020), which emphasize her dedication to God’s grace. In 2022, she re-recorded Jesus Gee Krag (Jesus Gives Strength) as a duet, introducing her music to a new generation.
Family and Collaboration
Cathy’s three daughters, Antoinette, Deidre, and Charmaine, play a central role in her life and music. “My daughter Antoinette has had a significant impact on my career,” she says. Antoinette, who can play any instrument, assists with composition, while all three daughters have beautiful voices and exceptional talent. Together with Robert and Frans (the latter now deceased), they formed the singing group Traveling On, which also made recordings. Cathy’s pride in her daughters is evident, and their involvement in her music and church worship strengthens her ministry.
She also acknowledges key figures in her career. Gavin Gibb, now retired, produced around twenty of her albums and left a lasting impact. Artists like Bles Bridges, Lance James, Sally Vaughn, and Manie Jackson have further spread her songs, such as My Best Friend and Jesus Gee Krag, with Lance James providing her second breakthrough through an interview on Keep it Country. Her gratitude for these collaborations reflects her humility and appreciation for the community that supports her.
A Ministry of Hope and Encouragement
For Cathy, her music is not just art but a “sangbediening” (music ministry) meant to uplift and draw people closer to God. “When someone contacts me or tells me at a performance what the music has meant to them in difficult times—problems, the loss of a loved one—then the glory goes to the Lord,” she says. Her songs, like My Best Friend, which she originally wrote in English and later translated into Afrikaans, carry deep personal meaning. Other hits like Hef op jou Hande (Lift Up Your Hands, by Willie Botha), Huise van Glas (Houses of Glass, by Herman Holtzhausen), Someday My Ship Will Sail, and Die Man met die Purperkleed remain popular, especially during Easter, when her emotional rendition of Jesus’ crucifixion moves audiences to tears.
Her song Die Vergetenis (The Forgotten) was inspired by a newspaper article about a woman who, in her final days, longed to say goodbye to her four sons, while Nagelaat (Left Behind) tells the tragic story of a woman who, after rejection and abuse, took her own life. Cathy’s heart for the broken is clear: “If only her mother had listened and taught her about Jesus, she would have had an anchor.” These songs reflect her ability to transform stories of pain into messages of hope, encouraging listeners to call on Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Cathy’s ministry extends beyond the studio. She continues to perform in churches, from large city congregations to small rural gatherings, and remains accessible via social media, where she announces performance dates. Her appearances are not mere concerts but opportunities for worship that unite communities. “Our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth,” she reminds her audience, and her music is a living testimony of this truth.
A Legacy of Faith
Cathy’s influence is measurable in the numerous gold and platinum awards she has received, but she measures her success by the lives she touches. “I have nothing to boast about except God’s great love and grace,” she says. Her first major breakthrough came with The Broken Vessel at a massive church gathering, and since then, doors have opened wide. Her music is part of the spiritual heritage of South Africa’s Christian community, played at weddings, funerals, and everyday moments. Songs like The Rock-a-Bye Song bring comfort to families, while A Wedding Song celebrates marriages.
Fans’ testimonies on platforms like Facebook attest to her impact. One fan writes: “Thank you, Aunty Cathy Viljoen, for the path you unknowingly walked with my mom and us children.” The use of “Aunty” reflects the warmth and familiarity she inspires. Her music is a companion through joy and sorrow, from sing-alongs during household chores to quiet prayers at a sickbed.
Now in her late seventies, living in Hekpoort, Gauteng, Cathy remains engaged with her family, church, and fans. She continues to work on new projects and inspires younger gospel artists. Her legacy extends beyond South Africa, reaching Afrikaans-speaking communities in Namibia and the diaspora. Her ability to weave stories of faith, challenges, and triumphs into her music makes her songs timeless.
Closing Thoughts
Cathy Viljoen’s life is a testament to the power of staying true to one’s calling. From a young woman who dedicated her voice to God in the 1970s to a gospel icon who has never wavered, she embodies what it means to live with conviction. Her music is not just a soundtrack for churches and homes but a ministry that brings hope. As one article aptly notes: “Cathy Viljoen is undoubtedly an icon… her passion for music is an inspiration to many.”
Thank you, Aunty Cathy, for the songs that change hearts and strengthen faith. Your voice, carried by grace, will continue to resonate for generations in the “amen” of an encouraged soul, the tear of a touched heart, and the joy of a congregation singing along. Your legacy is one of love, faith, and service—a song that will never fade.
Discover more from Vocalist
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
