To be a successful musician, one must have 100 per cent commitment and passion for the industry. You will very rarely find someone as passionate and committed to music as drummer Jeremy Kleynhans.

The Humber grad and drummer of up-and-coming band Rebel Emergency has had music in his blood since birth.

He recalls dancing to Bob Marley records in his home before he could even walk, but it was a family trip to Zimbabwe and a Rolling Stones concert in South Africa that finally forced him to pick up the sticks.

“I remember being so fascinated by the hand drummers in Zimbabwe and it started there,” Kleynhans said. 

Although he was born in Toronto, Kleynhans spent most of his life living in South Africa. Apartheid, a racial segregation act,was enforced in South Africa between 1948 and 1990, affecting exposure from international artists. It finally dismantled in 1994.

“We were never exposed to big bands because many had to boycott the country, but when it [Apartheid] passed one of the first bands to come were the Stones,” Kleynhans said. “It was unlike anything I had ever seen before; a huge stadium, lights everywhere. I knew what I wanted to do after that.”

He continued to progress as a musician and after graduating from high school, he came back to Toronto to attend Humber’s Jazz program from 2003 to 2006. 

Aside from gaining confidence, one important lesson he learned at Humber was that you don’t have to be the best at something to make it; you just need to work hard and want it. 

“School really questioned who I am,” Kleynhans said. “Attitude is more important than talent. I’ve gotten calls over other drummers because I have good drive and I am always coming in prepared.” 

After graduating, his preparation helped land him a spot as the drummer of Toronto-based rock/reggae band Rebel Emergency. 

Immediately after joining, his first two gigs were a sold-out show at the Kool Haus in Toronto opening for 311, which was followed by a performance at Wakestock, where he played once again this past summer. 

Soon after he started in the band, Rebel Emergency went to New York City to record with Grammy Award-winning producer, Commissioner Gordon, and released their self-titled EP independently. 

“There are still so many things that I want to do in the industry; I haven’t even toured the world yet, but that is a goal I hope to reach,” Kleynhans said. “I’ll never forget where I came from, and I’m going to keep trying to get to new places.” 

You can learn more about Kleynhans and Rebel Emergency at : www.myspace.com/rebelemergencymusic