The pupils are called all stars because they are the cream of the crop of the academy, which selects pupils from 12 disadvantaged schools in Diepsloot and Mayfair to receive extra-mural classes in music, dance and drama.
Due to their innate talent, the select group of pupils were chosen to perform in a music video for a track entitled Dance Like David, a collaboration between Marais and Nate Butler, an award-winning American songwriter, music producer and recording artist whom the pupils were also able to meet and interact with.
Butler has been instrumental in the international sale of 45 million records and has worked with multi-platinum artists such as Luther Vandross, Victoria Beckham, Craig David, Backstreet Boys and Christina Milian. Butler has also helped launch the careers of bands such as the Sugarbabes, S-Club 7 and Blue.
The music video was filmed in Diepsloot, just days after Marais and Butler presented a full-day workshop to the pupils at Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp. The workshop was designed to expose pupils to exciting new experiences within the field of arts. Marais and Butler spoke about their individual experiences of the industry, both locally and internationally.
“It was a privilege to work with the all stars and be able to offer them a little insight into the performing arts industry in South Africa,” Marais said.
“I hope that I made a difference, even in a small way, to broadening their horizons and perspectives.”
Apart from appearing in a music video, six of the academy all stars were given a spot in the finals of the New York Film Academy’s musical theatre school bursary programme.
“The workshop and music video experience is just another of the many efforts the Tsogo Sun Arts Academy makes to reflect the dreams and aspirations of the youngsters,” said Shanda Paine, Tsogo Sun Group CSI manager.
“It is opportunities such as these that we hope will give our top performers the confidence and ambition to go on to make a career of the arts.”
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