Dean – the keen, teen beatboxing machine
Delaney says he used to find the activity annoying. He would later fall in love with it.
MBOMBELA – Dean Delaney (18) has become the darling of his peers at Hoërskool Bergvlam because of his impressive beatboxing skills.
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion, primarily involving the art of mimicking drum machines, using one’s mouth, lips, tongue and voice. It is similar to the music beats used by rappers.
Dean told Lowvelder that at first he found it rather annoying.
“One day my friends were making some weird sounds using their mouth. I found it very irritating. I then thought I should try it,” he said.
Little did he know that nine years later the activity would set him apart from his peers.
Click on the video below to see Dean beatboxing
He only started to take it seriously recently. “In January I auditioned for SA’s Got Talent. Although I didn’t make it into the cast, I will do my best to secure a space in future,” Dean said.
Also read: Locals sing for top spot at Lowveld High
His dream is to perform in front of millions of people one day.
“I would love to start a big movement of beatboxers in the Lowveld. As far as I know I am the only one in the area.”
While most people sing in the shower, Dean can only beatbox.
He has seen people make a living out of the activity. “I want to take this to the next level. It is possible with determination. I will study sound engineering after passing grade 12,” he added.
He also participated in Lowveld Got Talent in March. “My father has been very supportive. He’s the one who motivated me to take part in the competition. I made it to the finals where I came second,” he said.
“Everyone at school knows about me. During break time I beatbox for my friends. I also do it for my girlfriend. I beatbox until she tells me to stop,” he said.
He feels he still has a lot to learn. “I watch music videos of the best beatboxers on the Internet to enhance my skills. I know I will get to that point,” he said.
