Talented Amanzimtoti singer and actress, Keely Crocker cleaned up the awards at the Talent Africa nationals in Port Elizabeth over the long weekend at the end of April.
The grade 10 Kingsway High School pupil participated in three categories: Acting, singer/songwriter and vocals, and did extremely well, achieving gold for every item entered and winning overall senior vocalist.
She won gold medal awards for acting, pop, Broadway, R&B, gospel and singer/songwriter, before being named overall winner for vocals. “I was so shocked to win six gold medals and overall in vocal. It was my first time competing in Port Elizabeth and there were a lot of talented singers in my age group,” said the 15-year-old.
“I sang my heart out, so I was hoping to at least make the top three. Winning overall senior vocalist was such a surprise and an absolute honour, as there were some amazing artists.
I had to leave the competition the next day so that I could sing at the Highland Gathering. When we got the news on Sunday night after the prize-giving, let’s just say there was a lot of excitement in our house.”
She also received a plaque and certificate for overall vocal winner, a glass medal for top 10 vocals (overall winner), a glass medal for top 10 acting and a certificate for best mic technique.
For the singer/songwriter category, Keely did her own pop song called ‘Fake Love’, accompanied by herself on the guitar. “The audience really liked it and I got a good round of applause. Their reaction to my own song felt really good.”
READ ALSO: [LISTEN] Vocalist to lend her voice to Gathering’s pipe bands
She also entered the modelling photographic category for the first time and was delighted to be awarded gold. Her achievements meant she qualified for the SA team again to compete in New York at Talent America. If you can help with her fundraising efforts, call her mother Kandi Crocker on 083-789-2987.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH KEELY IN THIS WEEK’S PRINT EDITION OF THE SOUTH COAST SUN, WHERE KEELY SHARES THE HIGHLIGHTS OF HER HIGHLAND GATHERING PERFORMANCE
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