Benoni has no dearth of talent and has the ability to serve up some of the biggest names, even on an international scale.
Ashleigh Woest (16) is one such individual.
Talented actor, singer, model and actress all rolled into one best describes the Hoërskool Brandwag sensation.
According to her agent, Paul Kershaw of ANUA, Ashleigh caught her big break after attending the world’s largest model and talent convention called the International Presentation of Performers (or iPOP!) held in Las Vegas on a biannual basis.
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“The music producer works with iconic stars such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Selena Gomes,” said Kershaw.
“He discovered popstar Ariana Grande at iPop!.
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“He only works with four new artists per year and Ashleigh is thrilled to be able to have this exciting and prestigious opportunity to launch an international career into the arts and entertainment industry.”
According to Kershaw, their students are guaranteed at least one call back but Ashleigh received 10 which he claims is very rare.
Ashleigh began her entertainment career from the tender age of four when she began dancing.
She later developed her talents and has become the singing sensation she is today.
“I began with ballet and in Grade Five I started my singing career,” said Ashleigh.
“My parents allowed me to do anything I wanted but the condition was if I tried something new I would have to try it for a minimum of six months.
“I really want to focus on my singing and modelling right now as I feel that’s where my biggest strengths are.”
iPOP! regional director Nico Goosen said he is very excited for Ashleigh and that it proves South Africans have just as much opportunity to make it anywhere in the world, provided they are prepared to do the work and be committed to their own growth.
While her demo tracks are being written and produced in Los Angeles, Ashleigh is working on her vocal and acting skills, developing her dance talent, as well as entering into several pageants and has been invited to participate in local fashion shows and events.
She is also a finalist for Miss High School SA with the finals to take place on December 1.
Kershaw said over the next six months, and once the new demo tracks have been produced and are ready, Ashleigh will be returning to Los Angeles to record the songs.
Marlene Woest, Ashleigh’s mother, said they were proud of their daughter and a relocation to Los Angeles may be on the cards, depending on the results from the demo.
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