Amanzimtoti upcoming stage star pins her heart on US talent showcase

ANOTHER one of Kingsway High School’s stage stars, Amahle Mbutho has all her energy set on Orlando, Florida, where she’ll audition at the Applause Rising Talents Showcase this July.

The talented 15-year-old has fallen in love with the performance industry, and is continuing to broaden her spectrum by growing confident in dancing, singing, acting and modelling.

Last May, Amahle auditioned for the International Arts Talent Showcase at Hillcrest High School. When she dove head first into the audition, only showing off her acting abilities, she had no idea what the industry had in store for her.

Excelling and being scouted by Arts Regional Directors Elouise Rensberg and Elsubie Verlinden, she decided to share her singing abilities too. The scouts loved both her acting and singing, and she was selected to go through to Johannesburg for the next round of auditions.

The two day showcase, which three other Kingsway High School pupils were also selected to attend – one of which was her best friend, Asanda Mngadi, was an experience of a lifetime. It was there that Amahle was selected by scout Shylo Pereira and motivated on by American and world renown scout, Kim Myers.

Next on the cards was the Applause Rising Talent Showcase in Orlando, Florida this July.

“I’ll be competing in front of talent scouts and agents from around the world,” she said. “Here I’ll be acting, singing and doing photographic modeling – I can’t wait to show them what I’ve got.”

A motivational speech given to all those selected sent chills through her body. “It all sounded like a dream, I kept asking my friends to pinch me,” said Amahle. “To hear how worthy we were, how much hope the scouts had in us and what lay ahead, was something unreal.”

All those scouted were assured that they would receive all the training they needed to prepare them for the big audition. Bootcamps in both January and April were going to set the talented youths in good stead.

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“When I heard about the bootcamps, I immediately thought it was going to be something difficult and tiring – little did I know!” admitted Amahle. While up to this point Amahle was only singing and acting, the bootcamp quickly introduced her to all the other facets.

“We were pushed right out of our comfort zones, and were taught the importance of it,” she said. From all the different categories of modelling and film scene, Amahle was introduced and learnt about it all.

“There was such an energy among us,” explained Amahle. “Everyone was constantly building, motivation and complimenting one another. The first bootcamp was definitely the most fun I have ever had. I can’t wait for the next.”

Amahle looks forward to all the Orlando journey promises, and she has already decided that whether she makes it further or not, she is doing what she loves and having fun with it, which is what matters most. The stage presence admitted her greatest dream is to someday be accepted to study singing at Julliard.

In 2016 Amahle qualified to go to the South African Championships of Arts but was unable to see the auditions through due to financial constraints. The trip to America comes at a hefty cost and the stage star and her single mother, Ellen appeal to the community for any sponsorship. If able to assist, contact Ellen Sthembiso Mbutho on 078-315-8048.

Aside from showcasing her talents, Amahle enjoys reading, playing and teaching chess at the library and reading through movie scripts.

By securing a career in this industry, Amahle hopes to use it to give back to the community, to instill belief and hope in every youth who wants more for their life. Amahle thanked her mother Ellen, team director Elsubie and all her many friends for the constant support.

“If you do your best, focus on what you love and try your hardest to unleash your full potential, everything will always work out the best,” she explained.

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