Local teen gospel singer invited to sing in the USA
'Through the music I make, I live out my passion and the great talent that God gave me'
LOCAL gospel singer and former Hoërskool Birchleigh learner Thandokazi Ndimande (18) will be pursuing her passion for singing at the Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS) in Florida, USA.
The showcase will take place from July 31 until August 7. Ndimande will have the opportunity to perform before an international panel of agents, record labels, casting directors and others from Miami, Hollywood and New York.
“My biggest dream is to study at the New York Film Academy and pursue my dream of becoming a gospel singer. That is what I would love to do,” says Ndimande.
Ndimande was scouted by ARTS through her first audition in June last year. She received the great news of moving on to the international showcase in October.
“The audition was on the Friday and they told us that if we did not get a call by Sunday, we had unfortunately not been chosen for the showcase. By Sunday afternoon, when I hadn’t received any calls, I thought I hadn’t made it, but a few hours later I received the call and I was very happy. Tears of joy do not begin to describe it.”
Ndimande started singing from a very young age in her church choir and fell in love with gospel. Two of her biggest inspirations are Benjamin Dube and Tasha Cobbs.
“I grew up with gospel as a child and come from a very Christian family. I got the love of gospel from my mother and grandfather and love it with all my heart.”
The total amount to be part of the showcase is R100 000. Ndimande and her family are calling on the community for any donations or sponsorship towards her dream.
“Through the music I make, I live out my passion and the great talent that God gave me. I would like people to feel the strength of healing and be blessed through listening to my music,” says Ndimande.
She wishes to be scouted in America and make her family and herself proud, by doing what she was destined to do – sing.
For more information or donations, contact Portia Ndimande (mother) on 084 459 6333 or Thandokazi on 063 048 7627.
