Shenize Bekker is not your normal 11-year-old.
The bright and well-spoken Delville girl prides herself on being a triple treat: she sings, she dances and she acts.
In May, this year, one of her biggest dreams came true when she had the amazing opportunity to co-write her first music single with Nate Butler, an American song writer, singer, music and song producer.
Nate did the ”beats” for the single, produced and recorded it, but Shenize had the chance to work with him on shooting the music video for the single.
She was over the moon and felt very blessed.
Shenize first began drama at her school, with drama coach Hugo Steenkamp.
“My drama teacher introduced us to my singing coach, Elize Weldhagen, who told me about an audition for The Sound of Music,” she explained enthusiastically.
“Everything started from there, and I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
“I want to act, sing and dance everywhere.”
From there Shenize appeared on Performer Corner, which is a website that allows agents to view young stars’ profiles and book them for jobs.
“I have appeared in a Vodacom advert which is currently on TV and will appear in a movie called Free State, which will be released next year,” she explained.
“It felt so weird seeing myself on TV.”
Shenize met Nate through the Actors, Models and Talent for Christ competition, in America.
After several meetings Nate invited her to write a song with him.
“The song is about dance and not being afraid to show the world who you are, and to just be yourself,” she said.
The talented young star was excited to shoot the music video for her single.
“I had to learn a dance on the morning of the shoot, but the people were very friendly and it was a lot of fun.”
Mom Ruanne said that the family recognised Shenize’s talent from an early age.
“She’s been acting for five years, and is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go overseas, many doors have been opened to her,” she added.
“Agents overseas would love her to come and live there, but it isn’t possible.
“Shenize has said that when she’s older she’d like to study overseas.”
Shenize dreams of making music and meeting people.
“I want to inspire children to reach for their dreams; God has given me a talent and I am using it,” Shenize said.
The music video aired for the first time on South African TV on Sunday, November 29, on KykNet, channel 146.
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