Swakopmunder Rayne Sadler vowed New Yorkers with her voice on 8 July 2023 in the Talent America 2023 competition, and walked away with five awards.
The Talent America competition is open to performers of all ages from all over the world. It has a proven track record for talent to be discovered, and is where many of today’s hottest actors, models, singers, dancers, rising stars and entertainers got their big break.
“I am over the moon and super-excited for these accolades. I got five awards - three first-place awards for categories including country, rock and gospel, an overall Talent America award and the Challenge America award,” Sadler (14) told VIBEZ!
Lending her voice to gospel, rock and country, she maintained that she will stick to those genres as she cements herself in the industry due to her immeasurable passion, and hopes it will get noticed in Namibia and get the recognition they deserve.
“I do a lot of rock, jazz and country because I feel those are the genres that work well with my voice. I have not written my songs yet, but during the competition, I did three covers,” said the part-time model and kickboxer.
“When I start writing my music, I would like to write more jazz, rock and country.” She hopes to go back to New York, and inspired Namibians who are passionate about music and singing to continue with their craft and dream big.
“Years ago, I did not know that I would be where I am today, singing in New York. So, anything is possible,” said the eighth grader.
Her mother Nicky Schreuder said she is humbled by the fact that they had so much support from everyone in Namibia.
“The messages that we received on Facebook and via WhatsApp, the support has been so overwhelming, and it humbles me. I am also proud to be Namibian, and to have that support and show the role. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of every person. Whether it is just a good luck wish, whether it is N$5 or N$10 that they were able to give, we highly appreciate that,” she added.
“When she was six years old, Rayne was asked by her nursery school if she would sing in her younger sister’s pageant. She sang Frozen’s theme song ‘Let it go’ but was super-shy to sing in front of a crowd, so we let her stand behind the curtains on the stage,” recalled Schreuder.
Investing in children’s talent is something dear to Schreuder, so she contacted vocal coach Savannah Collins to train Rayne, a process which she started in 2021.
“Thanks to Savannah that Rayne managed to be at a level where she can compete internationally, and that Rayne came third in the Voice of Namibia music contest earlier this year,” shared the proud mom.