Toti model bags gold at talent competition

Amanzimtoti model Jan Strydom once again excelled at the Talent Africa nationals in Roodepoort this year and won three gold medals in the photogenic section.

These included headshot, commercial and catalogue. He also received his Federation of Performing Arts South Africa (FPASA) provincial colours for the fourth consecutive year and made the South African team to compete in New York later this year.

“I am very grateful to have won three gold medals. This was my fourth year entering nationals,” said the 32-year-old.

Asked what keeps making him enter Talent Africa, Jan replied he finds it good fun and thinks of performing arts as a hobby. “I think it is also a good self-confidence boost and I love meeting new people.

READ ALSO: From catwalk to dance honours for Toti man

“I enjoy that at Talent Africa people get judged by their age category and stage presence. The judges are very friendly. People in the audience also cheer for everyone, regardless if you are an old or new contestant. It is also a great platform for a new artist trying to get exposure.”

The model and dancer said he could not enter the dance categories this year due to personal circumstances but has vowed he will be back on the dance stage for the round.

“I was grateful to again receive my FPASA colours for modelling. Although I have been competing at Talent Africa for four years now, I have been dancing hip hop since 2007 and I will always see myself as a dancer.

READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti songbird takes Talent Africa nationals by storm

Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in New York, as I am currently a depot and IT manager for a logistics company that keeps me very busy.
Thanks to Melanie Ashcroft from Talent Africa and FPASA for the opportunity, Madelein for receiving my rewards in Roodepoort and Niekolene Cato who took my photos for the competition.”

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