Help songbirds realise their USA dream

TOTI’S Krystle Temmerman (27) is living her dream of making music, as in mid-November she heads to New York to record original songs and shoot music videos.

“This has all been made possible through Talent Africa. If it wasn’t for Talent Africa, I would not have had the opportunity, nor doors open to fulfil my dreams,” said Krystle.

Following her success at the national round of the Talent Africa competition earlier in the year, Krystle headed to New York for the Talent America competition in July, where she scooped six first places in various categories, first and second place in pop, overall division winner and was declared the overall winner.

The singing sensation’s talents were noticed and she had the opportunity to meet and work with music management companies, among them Susan Barr Management, which Krystle will work with when she is in New York from 16 November to 5 December.

If it wasn’t for Talent Africa, I would not have had the opportunity, nor doors open to fulfil my dreams,”

Krystle will go along with another up and coming singer, Nicola Ashcroft (18) of Johannesburg. Currently, they are both working together in studio and have teamed up to raise funds for their trip.

“When we get there, we will stay in New Jersey. We will each record three original songs and shoot music videos in different locations of the city,” said Krystle.

Next week, the duo will send off their songs to Susan Barr Management. “We will have input, but a professional production team will also guide us.” Their New York stay will include a round of rehearsals, workshops, recordings and gigs in the industry.

“Our goal is to get signed up by a major recording label.

Krystle describes her experience so far as ‘surreal’. Although stressed, she is super-excited.

However, to get to the US, they need to raise R40,000 each to pay for flights, accommodation and other expenses.

Krystle and Nicola have teamed-up for a major Halloween dress-up party fundraiser at Darlene’s Pub on Saturday, 31 October from 4pm until late. There will be live music, which include performances by Nicola and Krystle. A potjie competition will be on the go; raffle tickets on sale for amazing prizes; balloon popping for wonderful hampers and vouchers; an auction and food stalls.

The cost is R50 to enter the potjie competition, call Krystle on 074-717-5797 to enter.

A prepared impala is also being raffled to raise funds, visit www.rooibok.hub27.com to enter. Tickets are only R100 each.

It will be a busy weekend ahead, as they will perform at Cheers in New Germany on Friday, 30 October at 7pm; at Essenwood Market on Saturday, 31 October at 10am.

On Sunday, 1 November, they will be at Golden Hours in Durban at 10am and back at Darlene’s at 3pm.

“We are pretty prepared for New York. We are looking forward to the snow. But our ultimate goal is get signed up. We call on the public to support our fundraiser to make our dreams come true.”