A Tafelsig songbird said a speech impediment makes her special but singing makes her soar.
Jodi Jantjies, 17, from Lost City, a Grade 11 pupil at Cedar High School of the Arts, will be performing her own compositions, My Song, Leon and Armageddon at the ATKV-Crescendo’s Te Hard concert at the school, in Rocklands, on Friday April 20, at 7pm.
“Yes, I was born with a stutter but I know when I sing it comes straight from the heart,” she said.
“It comes to me effortlessly and beautifully,” she said.
ATKV-Crescendo is a platform for aspiring Afrikaans songwriters to be heard and to have their talent developed.
Jodi will be sharing the stage with Simon Witbooi, better known as HemelBesem, the ATKV-Crescendo ambassador, hip hop artist and mentor to former finalists; as well as former Cedar High School pupil, now a student teacher, Whaden Johannes.
The concert is part of the promotion for the auditions due to be held at Artscape Theatre, in Cape Town, on Friday April 27.
Jodi was a finalist in 2015 and said ATKV-Crescendo, helped her find her voice.
“I have the challenge of speaking but I can do anything,” she said.
“I’ve learned that if you have the drive, you can do something then you can achieve it.”
Born to dad pastor Adam Jantjies and mom Vanessa, Jodi said her twin sister Jade, shares her love for singing but is incredibly shy. They both sing at Deeper Life Movement, in Erica Way, Tafelsig. “I am a bit nervous but I found that to sing in church is the best place to practise,” she said.
Her music is inspired by gospel teachings and Jodi brings a unique sound to the usual gospel genre, by writing ballads and hopes to complete her own album.
To participate, applicants must complete forms at the Rocklands school or call Courtney Edwards on 084 482 2575. Transport to auditions will be arranged.
Selected finalists will attend a mentoring programme from July 1 until July 5.
They will receive training in groups and as individuals from artists such as HemelBesem, Anna Davel, Bouwer Bosch, Neville D, Deon Meiring, YOMA and Melissa van der Spuy.
Finalists will attend a workshop from Sunday November 25 until Friday November 30, in preparation for a performance on Saturday December 1.
