WATCH: Alberton’s youngest rapper headed for the US
The 15-year-old from New Redruth auditioned for the IMTA Talent search competition run by 33 and Me Talent Agency and received a call back to compete at the IMTA invitation competitions.
JULIAN Lewis’ dream has always been to take South Africa further into the international limelight and give the world a taste of his rap music.
The 15-year-old from New Redruth auditioned for the IMTA Talent search competition run by 33 and Me Talent Agency. He then received his call back to the next round where he got an official IMTA invitation to compete against phenomenal singers from all over South Africa and Namibia.
Julian’s mother, Nicolene Lewis, said his son is different from his peers.
“He brings a presence and brightens up any room with his crazy sense of humour. We feel very blessed that Julian has worked so hard in his endeavours to reach and strive for his goals. Julian has always had a deep connection with music. Growing up he would watch his father practice on the microphone and as soon as he could stand, he started singing,” she said.
Julian sang his first full song at age two, Help by the Beatles, he continued to amaze his parents with his confidence, growing each year as he developed.
Born to a musician father, Julian is a Grade nine learner at Reddam House Bedfordview.
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Shining bright
His talent was realised when he turned five where he took to the stage at Reddam House Bedfordview”, where he competed successfully at the Concours D’ Arts and interschool competitions. At age six he started competing in various competitions and achieved Platinum certificates for Concours D’Arts and local Eisteddfods which pushed him towards his dream.
It was then that he started composing songs. His deejay skills started to excel recently, however, his focus and first love remain singing. He will sing, rap and perform at any given opportunity.
He started latching on to new styles of rap and enriching his mind with historical stories to try and understand lyrics and their origins.
He received a Platinum certificate from Concours D’arts and a 90+% at Eisteddfod for this performance.
At age 14 he was a winner at the South African Talent Championships (SATCH) for Rap and Rock hosted at the Silverstar Casino in Johannesburg between September 27 and 28. He was then offered an opportunity to go to America and compete, but due to financial constraints, his trip could not be a success.
Big trip
Julian will Travel in July 2020 to perform in front of an international panel of Agents, Record Labels, Casting Directors, Managers and Producers. The panel comprises Hollywood, Miami, New York City and Atlanta stars, among others. He will travel to New York City to perform at the 2020 IMTA in the United States of America representing South Africa in Rap and Rock.
To secure his place in the IMTA competition, Julian is required to pay an amount to be estimated at R80 000. It will help pay for his accommodation, workshops and his travel.
In an interview, Julian told the RECORD that: “I don’t have dreams but I have goals. I am very ambitious, goal-orientated young man who also excels on the sports field. I have played in Super League for Soccer at Sporting Club Portugal in Bedfordview, I am a Rugby captain for multiple clubs and a footballer.”
Looking forward, Julian wants to create opportunities for other South African youngsters who think that international recognition is impossible. For any donations contact Nicolene Lewis on 081 761 4242 or via email on nic@siwel.co.za
