After dominating the 2022 IPOP Talent Search in Hollywood, Ebotse resident Mitchell Godwin wants to conquer the entertainment scene in the City of Angels.
The 24-year-old stood tall among 2 000 contestants from various countries to snatch a gold medal as the top vocal artist in the competition. He also received a bronze medal for fashion modelling and a silver for acting.
With these achievements, he received one of the highest amount of call-backs as a South African contestant from agents at the event.
“I don’t think I would’ve been able to achieve this without DMH Talent in South Africa. The agency’s owner Tanielle Ladwig flew over there with us, supporting us throughout the event. She’s helped us achieve our dreams,” he says.
Mitchell began his musical journey at the age of five with piano lessons. He took voice coaching lessons at the age of 10 and as an 11-year-old, he achieved his Piano 2 Certificate from the British School of Brussels in Belgium.
“The school allowed me to pursue and prioritise my music.”
Inspired by Lewis Capaldi and Dean Lewis, he says the musicians’ authenticity and story-telling inspired him to write from the heart.
“My writing is drawn from personal experience. I connect well to how I feel. I’m an exceptionally emotionally driven person. I must admit, it was a huge insecurity for me. Being so emotionally charged, I am sensitive a lot. However the curse is a blessing too,” he adds.
Mitchell’s music is making waves overseas. In his homeland, however, he hasn’t penetrated the market yet as he argues many barriers are denying many like him entry.
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“The pathway just paved itself. I would meet someone while out and they’d happen to know someone who knows someone. That led me to Mark Pilgrim who introduced me to Mark Beling, who produced all of my current music. It then led to being discovered in the UK and Australia.
“My first song was charting at one of Australia’s stations. It’s just about connections and the willingness to learn more. My journey has been long and sometimes tedious, but mostly rewarding.
“I hope South Africa gets better at opening doors for new musicians to be heard by our community. As it stands, my music has grown itself all over the world but virtually nothing in South Africa.”
Music may be his first love, he states that acting allows him to share perspectives that people can relate to.
“Acting draws me in because of the ability to express a concept that would otherwise be inappropriate. I see the arts as an opportunity to express emotions that words will never be able to express.”
Where does Mitchell see himself in the next five years?
“I see myself in Los Angeles, I am busy with the process of moving there. I see myself having connected with a lot more people through my art. I see myself influencing others to pursue themselves.
“I also offer spiritual life coaching. I see myself doing that a lot more in the next five years. I want to add value.”
He may be headed to the big lights of Los Angeles, but he knows his career wouldn’t have blossomed without the solid foundation laid by his parents.
“I have no words to describe my mom. She worked like a machine to give my brother and me a good life as a single parent. She’s never neglected us. She’s always motivated us to pursue our passions and dreams while working close to 10 hours a day most days. She’s an angel.
“My dad has also stood by and supported me to be who I am. He and my stepmom loved to watch me at the pubs and bars when I was performing. It was our version of bonding and just having a good time.
“They all express their pride in me. I’m very blessed with my support system.”
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