Ann Singer is pushing her star status even further afield, as she is headed to New York next year for the International Applause Rising Talent Showcase (Arts), after competing in Johannesburg recently and impressing the judges with her incredible vocals.
Arts International is described as a “family-owned and operated organisation” that selects regional directors, dance centres, theatre companies and other individuals from around the world to meet and perform for top agents who will assist in exposing their talents to the world.
Singer may have kept mum on these latest developments, but she says those who matter the most in her life knew about her selection. “I honestly just didn’t want to give out half information before I got my call back from the showcase,” she said.
When she found out about her successful audition, her reaction was pure excitement. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my dream of wanting to go international would come true,” Singer told . “I have always dreamt big as a child, and visualised and imagined myself bigger than I ever believed possible. I didn’t think that it would happen this soon in my career. I am super grateful and when I got my call back, I actually jumped for joy, cried and thanked God.”
Singer adds that she has been preparing herself extensively in terms of vocal training. “I knew about my trip since April and one thing I understand is the importance of growth. I don’t get comfortable when it comes to my vocals and I train my vocals every single day, so yes, I have been training and getting ready for the showcase for months.”
Many performers dream of taking their talents beyond borders and making a name for themselves. Singer says she had mixed feelings about where she would end up in her career, but is grateful to be where she is today.
“The music industry is one of the hardest places to work in. Sometimes I wanted to give up and other times I was exaggerating with the dreaming. But one thing for sure was I knew I had the potential to make it, so I was patiently waiting for something big to happen for me,” she said. “I do have achievements that I am proud of but my gut always told me that there was more and here we are – the sky is no longer the limit.”
Those who kept up with Singer’s social media knew that she was having the time of her life in Johannesburg, and she credits this to making new friends thanks to signing to Mabala Noise. “My sister especially wanted me to cancel my trip because of all the xenophobic attacks that happened but I refused to live my life in fear. I could not let an opportunity of a lifetime pass me by so I took my chance and I thank God because I am back in one piece and the showcase was a success.”
Singer further noted that the talent she witnessed was incredible and proved she still has a lot of growing to do. And don’t worry, fans, an album is coming!
“Thank you so much for all your patience, all your support and all your love,” Singer said. “I swear, the music is finished; I just have a few things I am busy sorting out before I release the album. But just so that everyone is in the loop, the title of the album is ‘Sanity’ and it has 12 tracks. I am really excited and also nervous about it, but it is on its way. Sooner than later, I promise.”
When asked what she would tell her younger self, she had this to say: “I love you and forgive you for all the bad decisions you’ve made. I will take over from here. I’ve got you and I’ll take care of us. I am so proud of the woman that you’re becoming; I am proud of everything that you have overcome; I am proud of all your achievements and even more proud of the fact that you never gave up on yourself. You’re going to achieve great and incredible things; you’re a star!”
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