Sandy Bota to rock First Thursdays

First Thursdays is a free, walkable cultural event that takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Local retailers, restaurants and art galleries leave their doors open a bit longer and offer guests a unique shopping experience.

“I am ecstatic! A number of people have RSVPed on the event page on social media. I can’t wait to sing for people with different stories and backgrounds!” said an excited Bota.

Bota grew up in a small town in the Eastern Cape called Willowvale, but moved to Johannesburg in 2009 where she studied BCom Economics and Econometrics at the University of Johannesburg. However, she said that she did not come to Jozi to be an economist. “I wanted to get involved in acting and making a name for myself. Also, at the back of my mind, singing kept trying to shove its way to a point of focus.”

She also reflected that things did not work out as planned. “I grew into a reflective adult, who became more concerned about world issues than the power to entertain.”

That hasn’t stopped her, though. “I would say that my big break is about to take place now, but a few events have paved the way.” Including when she made it to the Top 20 of kwaito star, Arthur’s Can Do competition in 2012 and her stint on X Factor South Africa.

For her performance at First Thursdays, Bota hinted that guests can expect a number of their favourite covers and some of her original work, including a sample from her upcoming single from her debut album, which will be full of songs that ‘touch on love, hope, joy and healing’.

She describes her album as a ‘thing of beauty! My album is definitely still in the making. My focus now is my hit single, which will be coming out towards the end of April, entitled, Keep me Dancing (to your song)’.

And no doubt the crowds will love it!

Catch Sandy Bota at the live music event at the Amphitheatre at First Thursdays on 7 April at Newtown Junction.

Details: www.newtownjuctionmall.co.za; @NTJunction; Facebook.