Bright stars wink for 18-year-old Noko
The Norkem Park High matriculant will be off to the USA next year to pursue his dreams
AN 18-year-old matric learner from Norkem Park has stars in his eyes knowing he will be off to the United States next year to pursue his dream.
Noko “Flow” Mabitsela, currently studying for his matric exams at Norkem Park High School, has been selected to represent South Africa at the Applause
Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS) in Orlando, Florida in July next year.
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There he will perform in front of agents, managers, casting directors and big production companies from all over Europe, Asia, Australia and USA, which include Tyler Perry Studios, Sony BMG, Disney, Nickelodeon, Universal Studios, Click Models, Icon Studios and many more.
Over and above this, he also secured an international education as he will attend the famous New York Film Academy.
Noko attended the International Arts Talent Showcase at Silver Star Casino in Krugersdorp on October 7, which was the South African leg of the ARTS showcase. He performed in front of international talent scout and director of the ARTS showcase, Kim Myers, and was hand picked by her to represent South Africa at her ARTS showcase in Orlando.
“I can only describe it as the best weekend of my life, the showcase was amazing. We had international guest star performances by American music producer and recording artist, Nate Butler of America’s Got Talent, as well as Blaze Johnson from The Voice,” he said.
“I also enjoyed watching the many different talents from all corners of South Africa. Everyone brought their A game.”
Noko is an actor, commercial model and voice over talent. “My interest in the arts originates from my passion for storytelling and entertaining people. From an early age I have been involved in drama at pre-school and then poetry at Chloorkop Primary School.
“This all led to my decision of wanting to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.”
Noko auditioned for Elsubie Verlinden, the regional director of the ARTS showcase and owner of Just You Model and Artist Management, earlier this year and was given the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of Myers.
While getting ready to perform for Myers he was also preparing to write his preliminary exams. “I had to wake up earlier and go to sleep later but looking at the outcome, it was all worth it,” he smiled.
He also, through Just You Model and Artist Management, secured a slot to audition for one of the world’s most prestigious film schools, the New York Film Academy. The film school’s representatives were so impressed with his performance that he received a partial scholarship to study at the academy in 2017.
“Studying at the New York Film Academy has always been a dream of mine. It’s only by the grace of God that I will get to do that.”
