Rynfield resident Monique Roché Butta (27) was recently invited to attend the IMTA in New York City, USA, in July next year.
Entered into four categories, Monique can’t wait to follow this dream, but needs assistance to make it come true.
She is therefore looking for support for the fund-raisers she is planning.
“Even though singing is my biggest passion, I am also going to be doing modelling, songwriting and maybe acting.
“For the singing category I will be singing cover songs, and for the songwriting category I will be performing an original song.
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“With our exchange rate and the expenses of going to the USA, the amount needed for me to attend IMTA is R100 000,” she explained.
According to Monique, she has been singing since her mouth could produce words.
“I could sing and talk before I could walk.
“My earliest memory of singing was when I was nine months old and I would sing our national anthem all over the shops to all the people while my mom pushed me in a trolley. I have been singing and have loved singing all my life.”
Entering the IMTA via an online platform, Monique was left very excited and grateful at all the positive feedback she received.
“I entered an online audition for IATS (International Arts Talent Showcase) where I got to sing to the director of 33 and Me Talent Agency, Elsubie Verlinden, and her team.
“I got a callback and then attended the second round at the IATS, which was held at Silver Star Casino.
“There I sang and walked the runway for modelling where my performance was viewed live by a panel of American professionals, who enjoyed the performance so much they invited me to attend the IMTA.”
The R100 000 package includes many exciting ventures but to name a few:
• Flights to New York City and back as well as transport around New York and accommodation for seven nights.
• Awards night banquet ceremony, open interviews with industry professionals in the USA, exposure to agents, talent scouts, record labels, casting directors, acting coaches and managers.
• Marketing material (20 headshots and 20 comp cards), portfolio shoot in Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge, meals, Visa to the USA and any extras such as health insurance due to Covid-19.
“I am also very much looking forward to being given the opportunity to win trophies, awards, and hopefully a signed contract to pursue what I love.
“I sing because nothing else in the world brings me so much peace and happiness. Whether I am singing for other people, or just to myself, I am filled with such calmness and no matter what type of day I am having, singing always makes it better.”
Because Monique is asking such a big favour of the Benoni community to assist her in raising these funds she decided to also give back.
“For every person who donates R500 or more, your name will be entered into a raffle, where you could stand the chance to win a 20-minute private scenic flight around Johannesburg from Rand Airport.
“You can also take photos in the aeroplane, and the winner will be able to sit in the cockpit with the pilot and see how it is to fly. I will pick not just one, but two winners, and each winner can bring one person along with them for the experience.
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“This prize will be to the value of R4 000 per person chosen (and their plus one).
“If you have a dream, go for it! Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams. Without my husband, my family and loved ones believing in me and supporting my dreams, I would be lost. I would also like to thank each and every person who donates and believes in me and supports me in taking this big step in life,” she concluded.
Any and all donation amounts are welcome, fund-raisers will be announced.
For more information on donating, fund-raisers or IMTA banking details contact Monique on 082 863 6708 via phone call, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Alternatively, you can send an email to moniquerudman21@gmail.com
