New York beckons to E Cape talent

ASPIRING model and actress Sibulele Kwakhe will get a chance to impress international talent scouts in Florida in the US next week.

She jets off to the US tomorrow to attend this year’s Applause Rising Talent Showcase (Arts) Convention.

Kwakhe is one of 52 South African young stars who will attend the convention.

Speaking to the Saturday Dispatch Kwakhe said she had found out about the talent showcase in 2013 through social media.

“I applied online and then I was called for auditions in Port Elizabeth and from there about 15 of us went to Johannesburg to represent the province,” she said.

The 23-year-old said at the time she did not think she would be selected.

“I’ve done drama at school but I didn’t think I would get this far. I was also not confident about my modelling because I had never done anything like that before.

“When I received the call for the international convention I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Kwakhe said if it were not for the O R Tambo District Municipality she would not be able to go to the US.

“They have paid for my travelling and accommodation. All we had to worry about was my spending money,” she said.

The Walter Sisulu University third-year education, arts and culture student said she hoped to catch the eye of talent scouts during their trip.

Regional director of the Arts Convention, Elsubie Verlinden said Kwakhe was one of five Eastern Cape entrants leaving tomorrow. The other four are from Port Elizabeth.

“(Kwakhe) attended the talent showcase in Johannesburg last year which secured her an international callback from Kim Myers to attend the Arts Convention this year,” she said.

Verlinden said they were taking models, singers, actors and dancers from all over the country.

“Some of these guys are competing in more than one category. When you go to an international platform like this, it’s good to be versatile.”

The East London talent scout said the Arts Convention was a great place for upcoming artists to meet agents and managers.

“There will be agents from the United States, Europe and Asia. It is a great opportunity for aspiring artists,” she said.

Although there are no cash prizes, Verlinden said the exposure was the most important thing.

“The New York Film Academy gives out 10 scholarships every year at the Arts Convention.

“Since 2011, there have been about 42 South Africans who have studied abroad through that scholarship.

“If they don’t get scholarships, there are talent scouts there who are constantly looking for new talent,” she said.

The group returns on June 24. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za