Justine Habana’s soulful singing stirs Habana’s Bar patrons
Justine Habana rediscovering her passion for music
Justine Habana (30) had a captive audience as she performed a Lauryn Hill cover. Her soulful singing had a Habana’s Bar patron questioning whether she was lip syncing.
The surprise registered on his face when the realisation hit that she was singing an acapella cover of the famed neo-soul artist’s songs.
Having discovered her ability to sing between the ages of 13 and 14, Habana said, “Some of my friends and I would put on shows for family and friends, performing songs by our favourite artists.”
Her vocal talent would be put on the back-burner, though, as she entered the job market, was married and subsequently divorced. Habana explains that she suffered severe stage fright which she has since overcome since being eliminated in the second round of Idols (idolssa.dstv.com) a few years ago.
This elimination contributed to her decision to steer clear of the music industry and for a number of years she neglected her instrument.
Through family connections and her passion for make-up and fashion, Habana has been working as a professional make-up and wardrobe artist on various television and film sets in Johannesburg.
“I am interested in anything to do with entertainment, such as dance, poetry, and songwriting,” she added.
Habana bemoans the absence of professional make-up artists from the coloured segment of the population on film and television sets and advises that a career in the industry is sustainable and helps greatly with establishing contacts within the music and entertainment sectors.
She said, “I have met a whole host of celebrities, ranging from DJ Levi to Pearl Thusi and been involved in the make-up and wardrobe for a number of local artists in their music videos.”
Rediscovering her passion for music means that Habana is finally feeling fulfilled and the artist has secured the services of manager Desmond Theron with a tentatively set date for March 18.
Habana’s parting words to aspiring artists are, “Stay focused and do what you love. Mastering your abilities and honing your craft is what will make you happy.”
Watch as Justine belts out a Lauryn Hill classic in the video below:
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