Local off to take a bite of the high life in New York

A 10-year-old actor and model, Martin Keanu Engelbrecht of Plantation, has been invited to participate in the International Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) Convention in New York in June.

His call-up stems from his performance at the International Arts and Talent Showcase auditions in Johannesburg in September.

These auditions, judged by celebrities in the entertainment industry, take place annually.

Martin said he was nervous to audition but glad to get through it and chosen to go to the Big Apple.

“It scared me to get on stage to perform in front of the audience. It felt as if my heart wanted to jump out of my body, but I’m glad I was brave enough to do it because it opened doors for me.

“I’m going to the most prominent talent show in the world, with more than 300 agents, record labels, casting agents and other industry professionals from around the world.

“Many of today’s well-known artists and movie stars, such as Ashton Kutcher, Elijah Wood, Jessica Biel, Katie Holmes and Eva Longoria, were discovered at talent shows like this. I will do my best,” he said.

It has been the youngster’s dream since he was five to go to New York, so achieving this dream is very exciting.

“I loved to entertain people from a young age, whether it was talking in hilarious accents or coming up with silly skits that would drive my parents up the wall.

“In September, while I was shooting a test series called Pilot, a father of one of the boys on set advised me to start my own radio station because he said I can entertain people,” he said.

His hobbies are kickboxing, cricket, drawing and drama.

“I also love watching WWE and entertainment videos on YouTube. I want to become a Nickelodeon and Disney actor, as well as a YouTuber.

“My favourite actors are Jace Norman from Henry Danger and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. On March 31, I will be going to my second and last boot camp to finalise my training and prepare for the upcoming IMTA, which is just around the corner,” he said.

Martin’s father Martin senior said he is proud of his son for pushing through and facing his fears and doing things that generally make other people feel uncomfortable.

“He is one of the friendliest outspoken boys I know and he has reached milestones I could only dream of when I was his age.

“I truly believe that he will make a huge success of this opportunity and anything else he wishes to pursue,” he said.

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