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Johannesburg – Coach Bobby van Jaarsveld was a hit with the younger talent. But don’t be fooled by their age: the team of young, spunky, spirited and inspiring singers have a lot going for them.
Under the mentorship of SAMA winner Bobby they will become a force to be reckoned with.
Meet the team
Jessica Martins
Jessica matriculated from the Ashton International College in Ballito, where she often graced the stage with her unique talent. Her musical style is indie-folk and she admires singer-songwriters like Ed Sheeran and Sia. In her Blind audition, she charmed three of the coaches - Karen, Kahn and Bobby – with her angelic voice.
Mbijana Sibisi
Mbijana from Durban gave up his job as a dental technician to become a full-time musician. He has been performing in local theatre productions from about the age of 16, describes his own style as “a sort of fusion of blues, traditional African rhythms, and maskandi”.
Lana Crowster
Lana started her career 14 years ago and makes her living as a freelance performer, music educator, and vocal coach. She has also been doing back-up vocals for the likes of Arno Carstens, Toya Delazy and Josh Groban.
Chanel Davis
Chanel has spent years honing her craft on the seven seas on cruise ships, that allowed her the opportunity to see more than 30 countries across the globe. Now, she wants to make a name for herself on South African shores.
Abel Knobel
Music has always been Abel's great love and for the last five years, he has been painting several towns red as part of the boy band NRG. (pronounced ‘Energy’). While he has also been doing some modelling and acting on the side, he believes that it’s time for the next chapter in his life – a solo career as a music artist.
Xanilee Hammond
Xanilee has been paying her dues as a working musician and vocal coach for children. Like Karen Zoid, her favourite musician, she’s a rocker at heart. At the Blind auditions, she impressed the crowd with a song that she’s always connected with throughout her life - Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”.
Gavin Edwards
Gavin has been working abroad for the past 14 years, but the rock ‘n roll lifestyle took its toll and he recently returned home to sober up and start afresh. He entered the fast lane when Brian McFadden from Westlife spotted his band at Sun City and flew them over to LA. While Brian was managing them, Gavin and his band met the likes of Tom Jones and Bono and rubbed shoulders with stars such as Russell Crowe.
Kim Collins
Kim who is working as an administrator in a hair salon in Observatory, has been singing gospel since the age of 11 and her first big gig was for parliament. She also sang with Garth Taylor and broke into the corporate circuit many years ago. Unfortunately, this loving single mom could not afford to pursue a professional career in music as raising her two kids, of whom the eldest is now 20, has been her first priority. Now it can finally be her time to shine.
Zoe Mtila
Zoe is a B Com student at NMMU who studied accounting because a music degree was not an option in her parents’ eyes. She grew up loving the performing arts, and expressed her passion for singing by being Head of the Choir and Junior Conductor when attending Riebeek College Girls’ High School in Uitenhage.
Chris Werge
Chris is a singer songwriter from Cape Town who took out a substantial loan to invest in his first album. Titled Exposure it contains 12 original songs.
Vernon Barnard
Vernon was born with glaucoma and lost his sight completely around the age of 6. Despite this, he has never let it stand in the way of living life to the fullest. Coaches Bobby, Karen and Lira were moved by Vernon’s soulful performance of The Story of My Life by One Direction, and Bobby, who felt a unique spiritual connection with him as he walked on stage, fell on his knees to beg him to be part of his team.
Sumaré van Schalkwyk
Sumaré has been singing since the age of 8 and the music genes run strong in her family. Sumaré and her mom Sorita are part of a group,“Die T-Sakkiesusters". She wants to make a name for herself in the Afrikaans music industry.
Lyle Anthony Volkwyn
Lyle caught the eye of M-Net viewers way back in 2008 when he did very well in the reality show High School Musical: Spotlight South Africa. Since then he has been working full-time as a professional singer and travelled the world, honing his vocal skills on cruise ships and going to places such as Brazil and New York.
Nolene Olivier
Nolene wrote her first song when she was in Grade 10. Some of her singles have reached the top of the charts on Afrikaans radio stations. In the evenings she works on her music and performs wherever an opportunity arises. She aspires to become a big star in the Afrikaans music industry.
