Ntsana taking her singing talent to New York

Having been a singer and songwriter since childhood, Bedfordview resident Ntsana Pheko (15) hopes to achieve her dream of taking to the world stage and inspiring others through her music, by participating in the International Arts Talent Showcase (IMTA) in New York in July 2020.

Ntsana has been singing since she was five years old, and it comes as no surprise that this gift was bestowed on her by her mother and grandmother, who are singers themselves.

“I grew up with jazz and gospel and used to hum gospel songs as a child a lot. My mother and grandmother were definitely instrumental in me going in this direction,” said Nstana.

Her grandmother also sings opera, which inspired her in turn.

It was when she participated in the international choir competition in Tokyo at the age of nine that her singing career was confirmed.

“I fell in love with how the music made other people feel, along with the feeling of community which brought me a sense of great happiness,” said Ntsana.

A Grade Nine learner at St Andrew’s School for Girls, she connected with her music teacher, Daniella Hart, who guides her through various singing techniques.

“The school has helped me develop and compose my own music as well,” said Ntsana.

Ntsana participated in the International ARTS Talent Showcase at Silverstar Casino, where talent spotters recruited performers from all nine provinces in July this year.

“I auditioned with an a cappella version of the song Rise and I got a call-back to the finals next year in New York,” said Ntsana.

The showcase included a number of big names in the industry, such as casting directors from Tyler Perry Studios in America, and Joey Hunter, the president of IMTA and a well-known international talent scout.

“I was nervous. I had stage fright. I kept thinking I might mess up. My mother told me I was shaking, but I did a great job. It was, however, the feedback from the crowd and the thought of being around so many talented singers that inspired me. There were a number of singers who also sang in different languages. It gave me a sense of comfort and joy being around such a wonderful singing community,” said Ntsana.

Nstana said she is still coming to terms with being invited to participate in the New York showcase.

“I have been to New York before, but not in this way. I always wanted to study at New York University and live in the city. I feel like this may be my chance. It brought me to tears. My emotions were all over the place, especially getting the call in the middle of the night,” said Ntsana.

Nstana is also a songwriter and is currently in the process of releasing a single titled Emotions.

“Writing songs is much like an impulse. It’s whatever drives my emotions at that time. I have written gospel and R&B songs. Most of my songs focus on making yourself happy. I have written about eight full songs,” said Ntsana.

Emotions is based on being a teenager and how teenagers try to control their emotions, which are uncontrollable yet temporary.

“Emotions are like waves. They come and go,” said Nstana.

She said her songwriting also takes into account other people’s struggles with bullying, depression and substance abuse.

“I have been around people who have been struggling and used addiction to get through it. I have written a lot on how addiction and drugs and alcohol can be misleading,” said Ntsana.

Nstana said she dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist.

“I want to help with my brain and my music. I grew up watching forensic and investigative programmes. I want to help people find peace in emotional situations. I want to do both. I have more than one passion,” said Nstana.

She said she wants to have her own children’s hospital where she can leave a legacy of helping children who cannot afford to help themselves.

“I am fortunate enough to have travelled a lot with my mother and have seen children in very difficult situations. I want to create a care centre specifically for the needs of children,” said Ntansa.

For now, Nstana is gearing up for New York.

“I am nervous for the showcase. I have already chosen a couple of songs which work well with my voice and I have been working with Daniella. I will be doing an upcoming boot camp which will teach me about modelling, dancing and singing. I have to become a whole package,” said Nstana.

Nstana knows for certain that she wants to participate in the showcase by herself for herself.

“I love learning and love new experiences. I want to develop myself but not forgetting to have fun and go with the flow,” said Nstana.

Nstana’s mother, Mohau Pheko, said she is happy to support her daughter on her journey.

“If your child has a passion, you need to give them the support they need to fulfil that passion, whatever that may be. The world is in a different space now; you can turn anything into a career. You need to let your children live out their passions,” said Mohau.