A young man of Kraaifontein with a passion for music is ready to rise to the occasion in the land of the rising sun.
Braiton Valentine (23) arrived in Japan on Monday 9 January for a three-month performance arts programme with an American-based non-profit organisation Heart Global.
Christine Bam, mezzo-soprano, and music teacher of Kuils River, has known Valentine since age 15 when he sang in Monument Park High School’s choir which she coached.
“It was soon evident that Braiton was set up for success,” says Bam.
She says he stood out for his ability to teach and lead others.
Not only was Valentine on the council of learners but also a voice group leader which Bam explains were learners within the choir who helped others to learn specific music and provided occasional input.
“In 2014 and in 2017, a performing arts group from America visited his school (Monument Park). They commented on his incredible performance skills and mentioned his ability to teach and lead others,” says Bam.
She says more than 300 learners were involved with the workshops held by the group, but Valentine proved he could coach them even though he was one of the learners.
“He was just one of those children that stood out. Even though circumstances might have been difficult, music was always a constant in his life.”
Invite
Bam says even after Valentine finished matric, she was contacted annually by the Americans to hear about the possibility to get him to America.
She says funds were always the problem. “I don’t think they (the Americans) understand the challenges on this side to be able to go overseas.”
Bam says Valentine started working as a shop assistant after finishing school, but never let go of his dream to perform.
“I spoke to Phil (Robinson, conductor) of the South African Youth Choir (SAYC) – I told him you have to listen to this child.’’
Bam says Valentine then joined the choir where he could still live out his passion and have since become one of the leaders there as well. “He was regularly involved in choir music study sessions too, where he helped other choirs achieve success, showcasing even more of his leadership abilities,’’ she says.
Bam says upon a request from one of the main role players who witnessed Valentine’s musicality live in 2017 (and online in 2020), he auditioned for Heart Global’s Japan programme in November last year.
“This time they told me almost all of the costs would be covered.”
Bam says the only expenses left to cover was the visa, travel insurance and a couple of outfits. She says the programme is similar to the one Valentine was involved with at school. “It’s a three-month performing arts programme at various schools and universities. He will be acting as a mentor, teaching singing and dance. They will be putting a concert together for every group.”
A dream come true
It will be a dream come true and Valentine hopes to inspire others to make their dreams a reality.
When Bam asked how he felt when he heard he was to set off on this tour, he responded: “I believe as a young man I could inspire the youth in South Africa that we should never give up on our dreams because there will always be opportunities around. It is your work to grab them with both hands and make them happen. With this I want to inspire others to always follow their dreams as I am following mine now.”
It is Valentines first overseas trip. Bam says he told her he was a bit nervous shortly before his departure. She told him that this was his story, set out for him since his high school days.
Valentine is also not alone in Japan. He had the opportunity to invite his friend Diago Jackson from Valhalla Park to also audition for the programme. Jackson is also a member of the SAYC.
