Newcastle idols impress at jam session

Newcastle Idols finalists, Len Thomas (28), Lwazi Khuzwayo (15) and Larochelle (22) demonstrated their vocal prowess at the Mother Earth cultural centre last weekend.

Owner of the centre, Lee Nqindi, said giving young people a shot at showing off their talent is what his centre is all about.

Len Thomas described music as a gift that came naturally to him at a very young age.

“I realised I had musical talent at the age of nine. My dad was a musician, and one day I just picked up his guitar and it came naturally to me,” said Len.

After being groomed by a family friend from the age of 15 in the field of sound production, Len is now able to offer lessons in music, playing the guitar, drum, bass and piano, and give vocal lessons as well.

“Through my music I would like to inspire others to know their dreams, have a goal, keep that vision in mind and go all out to obtain it. Anything is possible,” urged Len.

Ferrum pupil, Lwazi Khuzwayo, is a member of the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir. Lwazi realised he possessed musical talent when he was selected to participate in the choir in primary school.

He hopes to be able to inspire other young people through his music and says he is willing to do whatever needs to be done to take his music to the next level.

“I guess, where I go depends on God,” says Lwazi, “All I can do is try my best.”

Country singer, Larochelle, says she did at least three gigs a week when she lived in Ermelo, and was grateful for the opportunity to express her musical talent on stage once again.

“From the time I was seven years old, all I wanted was to be a star. Everything I learned, however, was self-taught. I have had no professional training. This is not about the money for me, it’s about having a shot at doing what I love,” she said.

Mr Nqindi said that every time he invited young people to perform at the cultural centre he was amazed at the level of talent Newcastilians possessed.