Sonny to perform in Hollywood’s big night

By Marie van Niekerk

Breaking into music international world entertainment is just the hardest thing for any artist to do, but gifted, multi-talented musician and poet, Sonny Holworthy Motsamai (37) from the Tumahole township, is undoubtedly proving that South African music has not lost its originality.

With his incredible voice, Sonny, was invited to perform at the prestigious Los Angeles international music festival, which will be held in the Walt Disney concert hall on 17 June. If all works out for him he will be leaving on 15 June. US event organisers described his musicianship as beyond compare after a tough selection.

Sonny is expected to sing songs like, “Love is a bridge”, “Ntle le Mosadi”, “Sunlight” and “Nkile nka o rata” with a 44 member orchestra on stage.

Last month Sonny was invited to perform at one of the largest Jazz events in the world, the Jakarta International Java jazz festival in Indonesia. Unfortunately the trip was cancelled because two of his band members did not have visas.

So far, Sandton Arts and Entertainment funded R10 000 and the Tsima family from Sandhurst donated R30 000, to help him with the expenses for the trip, says Sonny.
But he will be losing this great opportunity to showcase his talent on international stage if he fails to raise another R15 000 for accommodation, workshops and registration fees.

He had asked for financial assistance from the FS government, the private sector and business people, but is still waiting for re-spons. The Gauteng officials for sport, arts, culture and recreation has pledged to fund R10 000, he says. Sonny told Parys Gazette: “I am humbled by the invitation. It show the world is aware of the creativity we have in the country and specifically in the FS province.”

“I want to show young people that it does not matter where you come from – if you have the desire to pursue your dreams, you can make it come true,” says Sonny. Sonny is a hard worker, a selfless profes-sional who respects his craft and who is so deserving of this recognition to represent his country in honour. In May he will open his 24 live music shows in the north of Gauteng to raise funds for his trip to North America. Previously he has performed at the Cape Town Jazz Festival, Gauteng’s Arts Alive Festival, the Fezile Dabi HIV and Aids concert, the Grahamstown Arts Festival and Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.

He has shared the stage with R & B stars such as Jill Scott and Incognito.