WATCH: 8-year-old Riebie ‘Elvis’ talks to Express after viral video
A video of the performance posted on Facebook by Lefra Production’s Frans Swart has gone viral with nearly 350 000 views so far
Stand aside John Travolta, there’s a new ‘T-Bird’ in town, and his name is Joshua Ziervogel.
Dressed in a leather jacket and the greased hair to match, this eight-year-old’s rockin’ Revue 2018 performance stole the hearts of thousands across South Africa earlier this month.
A video of the performance posted on Facebook by Lefra Production’s Frans Swart has gone viral with nearly 350 000 views so far. The post has been shared 9 000 times and has more than 430 comments from adoring fans.
Last year the Van Riebeeck Park Primary School learner auditioned for his school revue and didn’t make the cut.
“That’s what makes this all so surprising,” Allan and Marna Ziervogel, mother and father of the star, told Express in their Norkem Park home.
To keep Joshua humble, his parents didn’t show him the public’s reaction to the video at first. But as the views grew and calls started flooding in from different media houses, they broke the news.
“I don’t understand it. I thought I was going to get one view,” Joshua said with a grin. His dimples and blond hair make it easy to see why so many people find him adorable.
Despite his on-stage success, his parents have certainly succeeded in keeping him modest. He answers questions politely and admits he still gets pre-performance jitters.
“I get so scared being on stage sometimes, because there are so many people watching me,” he said.
Yet, Joshua appears to be a natural. He must be because this young talent has never had drama or dance training. He prefers sport. Between revue and choir practise, he juggles rugby, cricket, tennis and swimming. His parents, both in pharmaceutical sales, aren’t too sure where his talent comes from.
“We are so proud of him,” said Marna. “We’re also a little worried about the publicity as he is only eight years old.”
Joshua has been recognised by strangers on numerous occasions, who asked to have their photo taken with him. Both parents agree they can’t hold their son back if more opportunities come his way.
“Our biggest hope for him is that he will stay true to himself, remember his talents come from above, and enjoy it.”
What if Joshua decides performing isn’t for him? “That will be his choice to make,” his mom said.
The little rock ’n roller shows no sign of slowing down. “I’d like to give a shout-out to all my fans,” he said with a James Dean grin. Then he’s off to practise his signature.
