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After moving from Gauteng to Jeffreys Bay when she was nine-years-old, Dané Steenkamp began singing as a coping mechanism while she settled into her new environment. Now, five years later, with hard work and assistance from her singing coach at Vibe Music Academy in Jeffreys Bay, the talented singer will be travelling to America in June to participate in Talent America.
The now 13-year-old who is a grade 8 learner at Nico Malan High School, said that when she first began singing it allowed her to be transported to a “whole new universe” as she settled into her new home.
“I love that singing is able to take me to a whole new universe and that each song creates a different atmosphere,” said Steenkamp.
As a pop music and musical theatre lover, she said that a few months after moving to Jeffreys Bay she began attending music lessons at Vibe Music Academy for fun, but quickly realised that regular singing practice opened her up to a new world of participating in singing competitions.
Patti Van der Ploeg from Vibe Music Academy said that when Steenkamp joined the academy in 2019 with her very distinct “Dané voice”, she first began building her confidence as a singer while gradually unlocking her hidden talent as an actor.
In 2020, once she had enough confidence, she participated in her first international online singing competition, Sonate of the Stars based in Lithuania.
In 2021 and 2022 Steenkamp participated in the provincials of Talent Africa while in 2023 she competed in the provincials and nationals where she received her provincial colours.
In 2023 she also competed in the nationals and provincials of Show your Talent where she received her provincial colours yet again.
As a result of her excellent performance during Show your Talent, Steenkamp was the only singer from the Eastern Cape to be chosen for the South African performing arts team which will allow her to perform live at Talent America.
She will be escorted to New York by Yuanita Oosthuizen, principal of Show Your Talent from June 22 to July 3.
“When I heard that I was chosen for Talent America I felt excited and nervous. I have never had such a big opportunity to do something that I am this passionate about,” said Steenkamp.
Commenting on Steenkamp’s exciting opportunity, Van der Ploeg said that she was very proud of her student who has continued to work hard since she joined the academy in 2019.
“I always encourage my students to work hard on their talent and adhere to a good work ethic. I believe that it was not just luck that has afforded Dané this opportunity, but hard work. She has worked hard to progress to each level, and she deserves this opportunity,” said Van der Ploeg.
Through her academy, she said that it was important to offer her talented students the opportunity to participate in various international competitions.
In addition, Van der Ploeg said that she also encourages her students to perform live at various locations throughout Jeffreys Bay.
“I encourage my students to perform at restaurants and various other places in Jeffreys Bay to build their confidence while showcasing their talent because you never know who might be watching their performance,” said Van der Ploeg.
In addition to qualifying for the South Africa performing arts team, Steenkamp competed inAphrodite, an international online competition based in Cyprus in January,where she placed second in the age 14 to 16 pop and rock, blues, and jazz category.
In 2022, she also completed the Tienertoneel drama course with mentors Jo-Anni Swiegelaar, the late Bradley Olivier, Desiré Gardner and Izak Davel.
As part of the drama course, Steenkamp starred in the movie Stranddiens which was filmed and produced by Vilje Maritz in July 2023.
