Teen singing sensation hits the Florida stage
The 18-year-old is very excited about this great opportunity abroad but this is not the first time she will be belting her heart out on an international stage
SINGER Zondalee Varkevisser (18) from Bredell has been chosen to represent South Africa in Orlando, Florida next year.
She describes herself as an 80’s freak and performs mostly cover songs.
“I have also started recording my songs which are mostly Indie Pop,” she said.
On October 18, Varkevisser performed at the International Talent Showcase (ITS) at Monte Casino where she was hand-picked by the director of the Arts Expo in Orlando, Florida to represent the country next year.
“The event is by invitation only. Once scouted by Just You Management, you’re invited to perform at the ITS. From there you are personally hand-picked by Kim Myers, the director of the Arts Expo based on merit, exceptional talent and matched to the needs of certain managers and agents abroad,” she explained.
The 18-year-old is very excited about this great opportunity abroad but this is not the first time she will be belting her heart out on an international stage.
She attended and performed at the International Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) convention in New York.
“Each performance is special in its own way. Another highlight of my career is being one of the opening singers for Bobby van Jaarsveld,” she adds.
In grade six Varkevisser knew she could sing. “I was chosen as the lead singer in a school revue and have never looked back since.”
Although she does not have any formal musical training, she does have a vocal coach with whom she works with on a weekly basis.
Asked if she had not been a singer, what else she would be doing, she responded: “I don’t think of it as what I would be doing. I have been given a talent and I must make sure to use it to the best of my ability each and every day.”
Varkevisser believes in making every day count.
“One must live each and every day as it could be your last, live in the now. Make sure that at the end of the day you have no regrets.”
She advices upcoming entertainers to not expect one big break.
“The big question for most aspiring musicians is how to get your big break but there isn’t really a break. It’s a lot of different breaks, some good, some bad. There will be lucky opportunities that you may not recognise. “It’s not an exact science and the landscape is constantly changing. They should believe in themselves, take chances and work diligently.”
