Desmond ‘Desi’ Koolen has returned from the South African Championships of Performing Arts with 19 medals from 20 items, including six gold, eight silver and four bronze medals in solo categories.

The young performer also earned a silver medal in a duet and received the overall dance award in the U12 age category, adding another achievement to his growing performing arts journey. “It is always a nice feeling,” he said, “to have the medals as proof that my hard work was rewarded.”

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He explained that this year’s competition was different from previous championships because he entered fewer items and focused more on individual performances rather than group categories. Among his achievements, two gold medals in vocal performances stood out as his biggest accomplishment. After going without a gold medal in singing for two years, Desi set a personal goal to improve. “For the last two years, I have not received any golds in singing and it was a goal I had set for myself,” Desi said. “I changed coaches as well and we worked very hard to make this a reality.”

Another highlight was winning the overall dance award in the U12 age category, a result that came as a surprise to the young performer. “I was shocked,” Desi said. “Dancing isn’t really my forte and I really only do it for fun, so to get this award was special and tells me that I am capable.”

Now, attending the championships for the fourth time, Desi said he was becoming increasingly comfortable in the competitive environment. For him, the experience is about more than collecting medals. He enjoys the opportunity to perform in front of judges and showcase his abilities, with dancing and his Broadway acting piece among his favourite performances this year. “The best part is just getting out there,” he said, “and showing off what I can do.”

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Desi’s achievements have also secured him a place on team South Africa for the Global Performing Arts Talent Competition, which takes place at Emperors Palace in November 2027. Having been part of the team that competed at the world championships this year, he is looking forward to another international opportunity, particularly because the next competition will take place on home soil.

He believes hosting the event in South Africa will make international competition more accessible to other young performers. “This will give so many more performers an opportunity as it won’t be as expensive and shine the spotlight onto the young talent that we have right here in our country.”

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