Desmond Koolen, became an overnight social media sensation after he gave an adorable show that even caught the attention of American actor and rapper, Will Smith.
The seven-year-old Grade 1 learner from Dainfern College performed the ‘I feel good’ song by James Brown for the school drama production which took place in May. Desmond is still feeling good as he chats to us about his newfound fame.
He took us through the rehearsals and his song selection.
“Our principal said I could perform to get ready for SA Champs [the rugby team] which was starting a week later so I did the song and my monologue. Mommy didn’t post that because it was specifically written for the champs and we didn’t want anyone to see it. When we had to choose my vocals for SA Champs we chose ‘Feel good’ as one of my three songs because I already knew the song and I love singing it. Mommy says I am an old soul.”
Desmond took the internet by storm after his mother, Adele Koolen posted the short video of his rendition on TikTok. They are still amazed by how it caused a whirlwind on social media.
“When we woke up the next day it was wild! It was so crazy everyone was commenting and sharing it. Before we saw again celebrities were sharing it.”
But that was not enough, Desi made American actor Will Smith’s day. Smith reposted the video on his Instagram story. Desmond said this was the cherry on top for him because he is a big fan of Smith’s movies.
“It was so cool. He is like really famous and he said I made his day. I do know him, I love him as Oscar in Shark Tale and in King Richard even if he is a very strict dad, but he believed in his girls and just wanted them to achieve their dreams – just like my parents.”
He always loved to perform, he says, but he has other talents that he continues to nurture during his spare time, “I also do drama and singing lessons at Upstage Concepts in Fourways. I love soccer and Padel and playing PlayStation and watching YouTube.”
He said he is still taking it all in when we asked how he deals with his newfound fame.
“It makes me feel really good. Mommy has been reading all the comments to me and it is so nice to know I made other people smile. It was so amazing being on stage! I love performing in front of people and especially seeing how they react and how happy it makes them. It’s pretty cool when people know who I am and so many ask me for selfies. But I’m still me, Desi.”
He is now well-known as the ‘feel good’ kid wherever he goes which makes him dream even bigger, “I want to be on the big screen one day and a famous soccer player like Messi or the next Springbok captain just like Siya Kolisi, but mommy isn’t so keen on rugby.”
Related Article:
