WATCH: American dream awaits local singing sensation

Talented young singer, Gabrielle De Gama from Weltevreden Park has been chosen to go to New York.

In March 2019 the 13-year-old songbird was named the best overall singer at the International ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS) auditions and was immediately entered for the IATS showcase.

During the showcase she received a callback from the International Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) director, Joey Hunter, after participating in acting, singing and modelling.

This is the beginning of a very exciting journey for Gabrielle; however, she needs sponsors to make her American dream a reality.

Gabrielle said, “My passion for the arts surfaced in 2018 when I secured the lead role in the musical Annie Jr, directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith at Peoples Theatre in Johannesburg. The musical theatre ignited my singing abilities, leading my parents to find a vocal coach for me.”

https://www.facebook.com/daniele.degama.9/videos/2484216808326870/

She met her current vocal coach, June Kraus in November 2018, who immediately identified her ability to sing both opera and pop.

Gabrielle is a member of the June Kraus Academy and earlier this year the Academy invited her to sing at Mzansi Golden Voice to be launched next year.

Gabrielle auditioned to sing with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra, started modelling and did her first photoshoot for the online clothing brand Anjo Couture.

In May, she auditioned for acting for the New York Film Academy and was awarded with a five-year scholarship, to summer camp, where she will be attending acting and film classes.

“I am planning a concert for aspiring artists to raise funds for my trip to New York,” said Gabrielle.

The singing sensation is currently a member of her church and school choirs, and plans to give back by to the community by teaching and offering assistance to the youth development programmes they run.