Provincial colours among Talent Africa finalists’ awards
Both Keely Crocker (13) and Ethan Abrahamse (9) were chosen for the junior and senior showcase respectively
Toti singers Keely Crocker (13) and Ethan Abrahamse (9) hit the right notes at the Talent Africa nationals at Pro Musica Theater in Johannesburg from 21 to 26 March.
They qualified at regionals in September to compete at nationals and both returned with numerous awards.
Keely, a pupil at Kingsway High School, obtained six gold medals for all of her vocal genres: Broadway, country, gospel, R&B, pop and open. She also won a trophy for overall winner for her age group 13 to 15-years and a medal for top 10 vocalist for the senior group, aged 13 to over 40-years.
“It felt great to win so many awards. It was an amazing experience,” said Keely. “I worked really hard on my songs, so I was hoping to win gold, but I wasn’t expecting the other awards.
The overall winner award is most special to me. Also getting the top 10 vocalist was great, as I didn’t think I stood a chance against the older, more experienced vocalists.”
Ethan, an Amanzimtoti Primary School pupil, scooped three gold medals for his vocal genres: Broadway, gospel and pop. He won a trophy for overall winner of the age group seven to nine-years, as well as Talent Africa Junior Idol and a medal for top 10 vocalist for the junior group, aged four to 12-years.
He also entered the modelling photogenic category, where he won two gold medals and was voted Face of Talent Africa 2016.
“It felt wonderful and amazing to win so many awards and it was the best day of my life,” said Ethan. “I had a feeling I would do well as I prepared hard for it, but I didn’t think I was going to do that well.
The most special award was winning overall vocalist.”
Both Keely and Ethan were chosen for the junior and senior showcase respectively, which ended the week-long competition at Roodeport with over 1,300 items being performed. This was a huge honour, as only a selected few were chosen for the showcase.
Ethan ended the junior showcase with a beautiful rendition of ‘Tomorrow’ from the musical ‘Annie’, while Keely sang ‘I dreamed a dream’ from ‘Les Misérables’ as well as a pop song, ‘Stitches’.
Both were selected as members of the SA team to represent South Africa at Talent America in New York in July and both obtained their provincial colours in the performing arts.
