About - Bernardt James

Bernardt James (Cobus van der Walt)

Cobus van der Walt, known by his stage name Bernardt James, demonstrated exceptional musical talent from an early age, choosing the piano as his creative outlet. Cobus rapidly developed his skills and began composing and recording his own pieces. He used these original compositions for exams and competitions, quickly gaining recognition for his musical ability. After high school, he studied Music Performance in Pretoria, South Africa.

From 2003 to 2005, Cobus was a resident pianist at The Palace of the Lost City (Sun City), performing daily at Villa del Palazzo and The Crystal Court. His performances extended to some of Johannesburg’s most prestigious venues, including The Residence, Michelangelo’s, Sandton Sun, Gold Reef City, The Hilton, Irene Lodge, and The Maximilien (Da Vinci Hotel, Sandton).

Today, Cobus is a full-time piano teacher, recording artist, and performer. Since 2012, he has recorded ten studio albums, largely consisting of original compositions. In 2024, he released his latest album, To Live in The Moment. Cobus’s music is available worldwide on all major digital platforms under the pseudonym Bernardt James.

About His Music:

As a pianist, composer, recording artist and performer, Bernardt James creates instrumental, and classical-crossover music known for its emotive depth, precision, and subtle sophistication. His pieces blend classical and contemporary influences, resulting in a sound that’s piano-driven, expressive, and distinctly his own.

Much of Bernardt’s music reflects his personal experiences and inspirations. His album Awakened was inspired by his travels through Denmark, featuring compositions that capture the country’s atmosphere and charm. Pieces such as Roskilde and Copenhagen serve as musical portraits of those cities, inviting listeners on a quiet journey of reflection and discovery.

During a visit to family in the United States, Bernardt found new inspiration for his most recent album, To Live In The Moment. Tracks like Manhattan Stride, Dream of Broadway, and Monumental celebrate the energy and emotion of city life while exploring themes of presence and gratitude.

Since releasing his first tracks in 2009, Bernardt’s music has reached listeners around the world, with more than 15 million streams across major platforms — a journey that continues to be driven by his love of storytelling through music.

Updated 5 November 2025