Published: August 21st, 2015
Wittedrift High School made it to the top ten in the MySchool Sing With Us Competition, which may see them perform alongside Pharrell Williams later this year. The above photograph was taken from the music video they submitted for the competition.
Wittedrift High School learners have sung their way into a one-in-ten shot of performing alongside global megastar Pharrell Williams when he makes his way to South Africa next month.
The world renowned singer, songwriter and record producer, best known for one of his latest hits Happy, will be performing live in Johannesburg on September 24 at the Ticketpro Dome as part of collaboration with Woolworths.
In the lead-up to the much anticipated concert, Williams and the retail giant also launched a competition dubbed the MySchool Sing With Us Competition, giving school singing groups an opportunity to perform with him on stage next month.
Not only is this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity up for grabs, but the winning group will also win R100 000 for their school. Second and third placed groups will also receive R50 000 and R25 000 respectively for their schools.
The competition was open to all South African school-going learners between the age of eight and 18 and required them to submit a video recording of them singing any song of their choice with an inspirational message.
Wittedrift High School submitted a high-quality music video-like recording of them performing The Script’s Hall of Fame. The song has a clear message of never giving up on one’s dreams and features artist will.i.am. Adele Greasley of the Plett Music Academy helped them nail the song.
The video, filmed by Plett local Stuart Brink, not only showcased the youngsters’ talent, but also gave Williams and the judges a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty Plettenberg Bay has to offer.
The footage was shot in various locations including the town’s beaches as well as the beautiful Robberg Reserve.
This week, Williams announced the top ten groups who were judged according to pre-set criteria by a judging panel. Williams will however handpick the winners himself and the announcement will be made on August 26.
“We are exceptionally proud of our young ‘champions’. Not only did they succeed in proving that the small school with the huge hearts has an abundance of talent, but also that learners from this school have the ability to entertain celebrities like Pharrell Williams,” principal Jeremy Marallich said.
“Even if we do not make it to the top three, the privilege that we have to be among the top ten is already an honour,” he added.
