Michelle on the way up the scales

ALMOST every famous artist, especially in the South African context, started climbing the ladder of success slowly from the bottom rung, singing in school choirs, church events, karaoke bars and garage parties, hoping for their big breakthrough.

Only those with talent, perseverance, passion and belief in their dreams reach the pinnacle of becoming a household name and member of the SA Glitterati.

Michelle Jooste, winner of the 2010 Dolos Festival’s Idols Competition, is climbing steadily. Armed with talent, personality and a little bit of help from her friends, she can already see her name in the spotlights.

The 26-year-old recently recorded her first album at Soundblast Studios with Kobus G, officially releasing it on the Dolos Festival 2016 stage.

Her opening performances for top acts were well-received and there were immediate takers for her first release.

Michelle only appeared on the Bay entertainment radar after winning the 2010 Dolos Idols, but has been on stage for much longer.

Born in Vereeniging, she started performing at the age of six at the Lekerrus holiday resort, when a group of students discovered her vocal talents and love for Gospel music.

Talent competitions, choir and church functions followed.

When she was 20, she stumbled on a mobile recording studio while on holiday in Margate and recorded her first song, ‘Shalala lala’ by Vengaboys.

Michelle, who is described as humourous, bubbly, and a people’s person, has since cut her teeth on opening shows for Arno Jordaan, Henri Alant (Cupid), Zandrè (Wag Wag) and Dillon Lerm.

She performed at functions with Hennie Coetzee and Jaco Nortje and took to the stage at the 2013 and 2014 ATKV Culture Festivals in Richards Bay.

The Department of Arts and Culture invited her to the National African Days in 2014 and 2015 at Jozini and Mtubatuba.

Last year, she opened for Tommy Dell, Sally Vaghn, Manie Jackson and Ray Dylan at the Dolos Festival and performed with Daniel Hoffmann as opening act for David Fourie.

Michelle is a monthly regular at the Mtunzini Sundowner Forrest Lodge, alongside well-known artists such as Clive Bruce and Lance James.

In April, she became a radio presenter of Afrikaans, Golden Oldies and Country music at KRE Radio, hosted by Keith Eaton.

Pipeline plans include writing songs for Daniel Hoffmann and singing a duet with him on his new release.

In June, Michelle signed a contract with MAD Events, managed by Andre Killian.

She is sponsored by Suzuki, Oppihawe, The Beauty Spa, Crossfit Richards Bay and Elize Boshoff of the Dolos Festival.

To book Michelle, contact MAD Events’ Andre Killian at info@madevent.co.za or 082 5787855, or Claudia Robinson on 082 9208191.