Terra shares his Idols journey
Never stop pushing yourself beyond your limits.” Terra advises aspiring singers.
HE is shy and reserved. On stage however, this singing sensation transforms into a bold vocal powerhouse.
Twenty-nine-year old Terra Cox, who lives in Edenpark, comes from humble beginnings. He started singing at the tender age of five. “I playfully ran around as a child singing and dancing.” At the age of nine, he performed a song at church by Christina Aguilera, I turn to you, and also sang in his primary school choir.
Terra attended Hoërskool Dinamika and later enrolled at a catering school. However, his passion for music seemed to be building up to a crescendo. Five years ago, he entered a competition at a local church. After winning the competition, he then met and teamed up with Liesl Penniken, a member from the group Jamali. They went on to do shows together, backing each other and taking turns singing the lead on different songs.
Two years ago a sad moment arrived in the life of Terra when his mother died. “This was very difficult for me. She was not only a mentor and supporter but my closest friend too.”
As a tribute to his mum, he then entered Idols Season 12 in February this year. He sang Gladys Knight’s Neither one of us, which earned him a “yes” from three judges who sent him to through the next round.
Theatre Week began a few months later. “This period was stressful for me. I had to select my own songs and had to perform twice. All contestants who were given a ‘yes’ by three judges only, were asked to perform again to earn a spot in the group rounds for Theatre Week,” he added.
Things only improved for Terra from this point on. Vocal coach Malie Kelly was instrumental in this process. “She worked with me till the early hours of the morning until she was satisfied.” His vocal tessitura as well as his confidence were built considerably as a result.
The announcement of the top 16 was the first highlight for Terra, followed by his position in the top 10. “I was really surprised I made it this far. Like my mum always said, ‘Another yes, Jesus.’ Life at the Idols house was intense and demanding. We were up at five in the morning and had breakfast between 06:00 and 07:00. Shoots were sometimes scheduled at the house or other venues. We then had rehearsals from the afternoon till the early hours of the morning with Malie,” Terra said.
Pushing through despite the many challenges he faced at the time, Terra earned himself a place in the top four and a trip of a lifetime to New York. “This was an amazing experience for me. I got to spend my birthday in New York and we went for dinner to a Mexican restaurant.
“I was also so fortunate to be able to meet my old friend there and do some sightseeing.” From walking down the streets of Fifth Avenue one night to finding a payphone that actually worked well, it was all a truly interesting and memorable experience for Terra.
“My favourite judge is Unathi. She is a really humble person and she likes me,” he said smiling shyly. “The funniest moment during the competition was when another contestant, Bevan, fell asleep during a pre-concert for the producers. My lowest moment was reliving the day my mum passed away on October 2.” he recalled.
Terra’s plans for future are simple. “Sleep for a week first,” he laughed. “I would like to hold voice training sessions with young people in Eden Park “ He also has plans to go on tour with Bevan Samuels and Keegan Martin soon.
“There may be an upcoming album in the pipeline. I someday dream of sharing a stage with my own idols, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey.”
Aside from his funky hairstyles, Terra enjoys swimming, writing songs and, of course, sleeping.
Terra advises aspiring singers: “Never stop dreaming. Never stop believing. Never stop pushing yourself beyond your limits.”
His cheerful and friendly disposition, humility and amazing talent leave much to be admired. Terra Cox is certainly a great inspiration to many.
For more information on bookings, please contact kim@thinktheatre.co.za or reza@thinktheatre.co.za.
*Story and photographs by Yvette Ballim
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