Josh Kempen (born 3 November 1988) is a South African and Australian singer-songwriter, actor and model. In 2018, his album, The Morning Show, was nominated for a South African Music Award for Best Alternative Album.
Since 2024 he has been part of the indie-pop duo, Pamela, with Sarah Ellen.McNamara, Lauren (14 July 2026). In My Room with Pamela Rolling Stone. Retrieved on 23 July 2026.
Early life and education Kempen was born in Johannesburg in South Africa in 1988. He emigrated to Australia as a child with his parents. The first album he owned was by Sixto Rodriguez. He learned the guitar at the age of fifteen.Josh Kempen on 702 Unplugged with Azania Radio 702. 2018 After high school, he pursued a law degree and qualified as an attorney. He worked at Harvey Nossel Attorneys in Johannesburg. He also worked as a waiter in Lake Como in Italy.
In 2021, he graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney with a Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance.Table National Institute of Dramatic Art. Retrieved on 24 July 2026.From Law to Acting: We Spoke to Students Who Dared to Follow Their Dreams Student Edge. 21 May 2021
Career Music Kempen was performing at Oppikoppi in South Africa, where Warner Music South Africa executives saw him perform and subsequently offered him a record deal.These are all the local bands announced for Oppikoppi so far News24. 17 May 2016 He has also performed at Splashy Fen, South Africa's longest-running music festival.2017 SPLASHY FEN MUSIC FESTIVAL – A GREAT SUCCESS! Game Plan Media. 19 April 2017First look: Local singer Josh Kempen releases dreamy new video News 24. 11 November 2016
In 2015, he released his debut EP, The Midnight Ship and received a nomination for "Songwriter of the Year" from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO). He was selected as an "Artist to Watch in 2016" by Deezer ZA. In 2016, he performed at the Park Acoustics music festival held at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria.What’s On: January 29 to February 4 The Mail & Guardian. 29 January 2016
His debut album, The Morning Show was released in 2017. It was preceded by the singles, "The River" and "Pistol". "The River" peaked at number 9 on the South African iTunes chart and at number 6 on the South African singles chart.SA Top 20 Jacaranda FM. Retrieved on 10 September 2024 In March 2017, he released his third single, "Leave Me if You Can".Josh Kempen talks about which girl he thought of while filming his music video Jacaranda FM. 24 March 2017 In 2018, the album was nominated at the South African Music Awards for "Best Alternative Album".Mafikizolo is leading the pack at this year’s SAMA nominations GQ. 21 April 2018 In support of the album, he performed on Radio 702, South Africa's leading radio station. He also performed on television's Expresso Morning Show on the SABC.Josh Kempen performs "Pistol" | 11 April 2017 Xpresso Show. 11 April 2017 The album charted at number 3 on the iTunes albums chart. It was described by Apple Music’s editor as “an album rich with narrative lyricism and sincere, hard one perspective." Apple Music also chose Kempen as “Artist of the Month.”Josh Kempen Back In Oz Warner Music. 24 April 2018
In 2020, he released his second album, Oltramarino.Josh Kempen takes us on a journey to the tune of his heartstrings in his second album, Oltramarino Texx and the City. 2 September 2020 It was preceded by the singles, "Need Some Company" feat. Soulphia Town and "Promises".Josh Kempen - Need some company (feat. Soulphia Town) (Official Video) YouTube. 2019Josh Kempen - Promises (Official Video) YouTube. 2019Motorbikes and brooding locations: Local singer Josh Kempen tells us about his new music video News24. 29 July 2019Josh Kempen and Soulphiatown unite for a song that will break your heart in the most beautiful way News24. 15 April 2019
Since 2024, he has been part of the indie-pop duo, PAMELA, with Neighbours actress, Sarah Ellen.Pamela (Live) Shell House. 2024In Conversation: Sarah Ellen On Her Move From Modelling To Music Style. 5 September 2024Maher, Dani. (February 2025). Crazy little thing called love… starring Sarah Ellen and Matt Ford Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved on 22 June 2025Triple J Unearthed - Pamela ABC. Retrieved on 22 June 2025
Acting In 2011, he had a minor role in the South African historical drama, Winnie Mandela, based on the life of Nelson Mandela's former wife, Winnie Mandela.Josh Kempen IMDB. Retrieved on 8 September 2024
In 2024, he appeared in a recurring role in the second season of Paramount+ drama series, Last King of the Cross. The series is set in Sydney's Kings Cross and Oxford Street.
In 2024, he returned to South Africa to film the feature film This Is How the World Ends, directed by Robert dos Santos. The film is set during the AfrikaBurn festival in South Africa.This Is How the World Ends IMDB. Retrieved on 8 September 2024Making a movie at AfrikaBurn AfrikaBurn. 13 March 2024
Modelling As a model, Kempen is represented by Vivien's Model Management in Australia, and The Circle in South Africa.Josh Kempen Vivien's Models. Retrieved on 8 September 2024Joshua Kempen The Circle Models. Retrieved on 8 September 2024 Among his campaigns, he filmed an advert for Audi in 2023.Audi S Range Vimeo. 2023
Discography Solo studio albums The Morning Show (2017) Oltramarino (2020)
EPs The Midnight Ship (2015)
As a duo It’s Nice to See You Here (2026) by Pamela References
External links
Model portfolio