Edenvale man aims high for America’s Got Talent
“I was inspired by the Mzansi Youth Choir when they made it to the top two of the competition in 2023."
Thabang Malan (19) is hopeful of winning hearts and dominating the stage at the America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 19.
The former Edenvale resident will compete for the top prize (around R20m) when the show premiers on May 28 on NBC.
Malan spent 18 years at a children’s home where he realised his passion for music.
He has visited various schools this year to share his life journey and motivate the youth.
He told the Bedfordview and Edenvale News that it all started with DVD Skouspel and Afrikaans is Groot.
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His passion for music was ignited by Bobby van Jaarsveld’s Net vir Jou.
“That’s when I knew that music has the power to convey emotions,” shared Malan.
He started singing and entered choir competitions.
“I was inspired by the Mzansi Youth Choir when they made it to the top two of the competition in 2023. I have always wanted to be on America’s Got Talent.”
He has released pop songs such as The Day and Hou Vas.
“I’ve learned so much through hearing other people’s stories and being part of their stories. I’ve seen that my music brings so much relief and peace in my life since I had experienced so many ups but never downs.”
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Speaking about growing up in a children’s home he said, “I think it’s not the home that made me who I am today but the children. I’ve walked a journey with them for a long time and that showed me where my heart is and my passion lies.
“The children are the reason I wrote a song called Dream. We all have a dream and sometimes their dreams scare them but it shows that it’s reachable and doable.”
He said participating in the show is not just a personal aspiration but rather an opportunity to share his journey of resilience and triumph with a global audience.
He draws inspiration from his personal experiences and surroundings.
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“I have been preparing for this moment since I was born. I think what will set me apart from all the others is that I’m not there to win but to show why I came this far and why I am doing this,” he said.
“My goal is to show that we all deserve respect and love. People look at children from homes as if they have sinned and they are labelled sinners. This is the sad reality of the society we live in these days.”
