Citizen’s got talent

CITIZEN Mbatha has worked hard for an opportunity to make his dreams come true and become a glimmer of hope to other ambitious young dreamers out there.After impressing international talent scout, Kim Myers, and America’s Got Talent recently, in the South African Annual International Talent Showcase at the Monte Casino on October 17, the talented young man from Cliffdale in Hlobane, near Vryheid, was invited to perform on the International Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS) Convention that takes place in Orlando, Florida, next year in June.

At this convention (www.theartstalent.com), influential industry professionals from Hollywood (Tyler Perry Studios, Walt Disney, Nickolodeon, etc.), agencies from across the US, Europe and Asia, managers, music producers from labels such as Epic Records, Capital Records, Sony Music, Icon Studios and VH1 New York City, New York Film Academy, to mention a few, all attend to award acting scholarships, sign and cast artists and models to perform in Broadway shows such as Lion King, Hollywood feature films, LA and New York Fashion Weeks.

Abbie Cood (Starstruck, Pair of Kings etc.) is an ARTS Alumni. South Africans: Gino Lee, Lifa Fikizolo Jones, Jumari Steynfaardt, Chandre Laura Cloete amongst other are studying and have graduated from the NYFA, booked LA and New York Fashion Weeks amongst other things.

“I’m seeking sponsors as I’m disadvantaged with only an unemployed and single mother who can’t support me financially,” says Citizen. “I need to raise about R69 980 which will cover flight tickets, and accommodation.” he adds. “We’ll leave SA for New York on June 14 and return on June 24, 2015.”

“From New York, we’ll board to Orlando, Florida, where we’ll perform for five days, meet and have interviews with professionals on the sixth day and attend the showcase ceremony awards on the seventh day, before returning to New York and then back to South Africa.”

“This is a great opportunity, and one I have worked hard for, especially hailing from a rural area. I can’t afford to let it slip through my fingers.”

Citizen adds, “Making it in Hollywood will put our beautiful country on the map even more and, most importantly, bring hope to disadvantaged young and ambitious dreamers like me out there. Please help me share my story to get sponsors. I really need this more than anything.”