Haenertsburg’s Zoë to represent SA in LA World Championship
19-year-old Zoë Koster prepares for World Championship of Performing Arts in LA, representing SA after winning SACOPA gold medal.
TZANEEN – 19-year-old Zoë Koster from Haenertsburg is preparing for the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles in June next year.
Zoë says she started singing at a very young age remembering her first performance singing Best of Both Worlds from Hannah Montana, during a preschool concert. “I was asked what I want to do when I grow up and I said I want to be a singer.”
Zoë attended Stanford Lake College where she took part in eisteddfods, plays, talent shows and inter-house singing competitions.
“When it came to deciding my subjects in Gr 10, I went for psychometric testing. My results came back 90% for arts and culture. I was asked by the psychometrist what I wanted to do later in life. I told her I wanted to become a singer, and she replied, “That’s a nice hobby but what do you want to do for a career?” I told her again that I wanted to become a singer, that singing has been my passion since I was 5 years old, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
In Gr 12 Zoë started online coaching with André Martinez and he, along with her cousin, introduced her to the South African Competition of Performing Arts (SACOPA). “André helped me tremendously by expanding my vocal range, improving my breathing and helping me with my stage presence,” she told the Herald.
“I entered six categories in the vocal section of the SACOPA and ended up winning two silver, two gold and the overall trophy for ages 16-24. The following year I entered nine categories and won seven silver and one gold medal,” she adds.
The gold medal earned her a place in the team to represent South Africa and take part in the world championship.
“I would love to represent my country, to be a part of the experience and to put myself out there and maybe be seen. We will be launching a few fundraising projects to enable me to attend,” says Zoë.
Zoë’s mother, Tersia, says that as her parents they are incredibly proud of her achievements and will do anything in their means for her to become a successful artist.
