Three locals on their way to fame

Three stunning artists from Pretoria and Centurion are on their way to Orlando to represent South Africa in a life-changing competition in July.

Oratile Manamela (17) from Centurion is an actress and model, Cassidy Naicker (12) is also from Centurion and a ballerina, and Yolandé de Klerk (25) from Montana in Pretoria is a performing artist, however, also an actress, singer and model.

The International ARTS Talent Showcase (IMTA) hosted its 10th annual international showcase in October last year.

“It was, however, its first international virtual showcase. Our artists participated from Silverstar, Krugersdorp.

“The show travelled all over South Africa in all nine provinces, scouting models, singers, actors and dancers,” according to the newsletter. 

Those lucky enough, secured their official invitations to Silverstar last year where they represented their respective provinces.

Participants from African countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Congo and Mozambique also participated virtually from Silverstar.

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“The show always invites international judges to African soil. This time around they invited celebrity judges such as Rhavynn Drummer, Joey Hunter, Aviva Skall, Blaze Johnson and Nate Butler.

“Those who got selected by these famous judges received call backs to represent their countries in America at IMTA, the world’s largest talent convention,” the newsletter reads.

IMTA is based in New York City “with over 300 casting agencies, recording labels, talent managers and more”. And the glamorous event will be hosted in Orlando, Florida.

“The prestigious international elite educational institute, the New York film academy, also handed out $120 000 worth of scholarships.”

Oratile is a multi-talented actress and model, and rather passionate about art.

“Art is an essential tool for continuous human existence. That is why I dedicated my life to the cause of enriching people’s hearts, minds and souls with my presentation thereof.”

She started acting at a very young age, and has been acting in roles in multiple school dramas throughout primary to high school.

She dreams of “becoming a world-renowned actress, working alongside her role models, winning prestigious awards and making her mum proud”.

Naicker started learning the art of ballet at age three, and since then never stopped exploring various artistic genres/fields such as modelling and acting, and dancing.

“At age six I started learning how to play the violin and started taking drama classes. I also unlocked my writing talent and won awards for poetry and speeches.”

Naicker has high hopes for her future and wish to one day join the New York school of arts.

“Attending the New York school of arts, will allow me to be marketable on an international level having a competitive edge in both South Africa and Botswana, where I was born.”

De Klerk is a performing artist and set to release her first single at the IMTA convention called ‘Chance To Dream’.

She obtained a bachelor’s degree majoring in screen acting and screenwriting. As a multi-talented performer, she learned both American and British accents to boost her chances in the international market.

Her dedication paid off when she “scored a role in an international commercial for Ovomaltine and appeared in a national primetime soapie.”

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