From her bedroom to the kitchen, Gabriela Rodrigues (18) of Northmead can be heard belting out ballads or jamming to classics from the iconic disco quartet ABBA.

For as long as she can remember, the former Maranatha Christian Academy alumna has carried a song in her heart, bursting to share it with audiences.

Her dream of performing on the world stage is finally within reach, following her selection to be part of the South African delegation to participate in the ‘olympics of performing arts,’ the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), in July.

Sitting in a cosy nook of their family home, Gabriela exudes the confidence of a capable artist comfortable not only in her own skin but in her vocal talents.

“For as long as I can remember, singing was my comfort, refuge and happy place.

“From Grade One to 10, I was a dedicated member of the school choir. From Grade 11, I started dabbling with the prospect of pursuing a career as a vocalist.”

Enrolling at Studio Cha vocal coaching in Pretoria, Gabriela honed her skills and explored her range in various genres, including jazz, rock and pop.

In October, the vibrant teen made her presence known at the annual South African Championship of Performing Arts in Rustenburg.

Participating in 10 categories, she won three silver and four bronze medals, securing her place in Vegas.

“I am giddy with excitement. This is a wonderful opportunity to launch my career internationally,” she said.

“I have worked hard and leaning on my faith, I believe that the Lord will guide me to where I must be.”

Speaking about her aspirations, Gabriela gets a twinkle in her eye, saying that although the big dream is to write and record albums, she dreams of performing on stage and making the audience feel the lyrics as deeply as she does.

“Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Evanescence’s Amy Lee have the ability to deliver performances that not only carry powerful messages but their emotional investment in each note touches your soul,” she said.

“I hope to be able to perform as meaningfully and passionately as they do.”

Talking about her music taste, Gabriela said that her playlist is ‘all over the place,’ but admits that her parents’ influence has had a lasting effect on her selections.

“I am a typical teen and therefore get easily caught in the hype of current mainstream music,” she said.

“However, there are some hits that you cannot discard. I listen to anything, but firm favourites are icons like Queen, Tina Turner and a little electrifying rock.”

When she’s not perfecting her choreography or rehearsing lines at Campus of Performing Arts (COPA), Gabriela can be found at the gym, engaging in tumbling playtime with her dogs or cuddled under a blanket watching series and the latest blockbusters.

“As the weeks steadily tick by before jetting off to the city that has seen performances by some of the greatest artists, I am focusing on staying grounded and straying true to my goals,” she said.

“I want to be a successful performer. I want to spend my days singing, but I also want to remain present in the moment and enjoy the journey.”

Before packing her bags and having her passport stamped to compete against performers from 70 countries, Garbiela needs to raise the money to fund her trip to the USA.

A BackaBuddy campaign to her benefit has been established.
For more information or to assist, log on to https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-gabriela-represent-sa-in-vegas

ALSO READ: WATCH: New vocalist emerges from Fairleads

ALSO READ: WATCH: Benoni Junior School choir sings their way to eisteddfod glory