An 18-year-old Kuils River vocalist said a recent online music internship in which she was mentored by Grammy Award-winning artists had deepened her understanding of what it takes to grow as an artist.

Zara Mansfield’s singing journey started in the Sunday school choir and later at school events..

Her father, Mark Mansfield, recalls Zara grabbing a microphone at a family braai when she was five or six and just starting to sing. “That was great to see,” he said.

Journey

In 2016, at a mere eight years old, Zara won Kuils River Primary School’s Pop Idol, singing “Love How You Love Me” by the late Melanie Thornton. “Winning the competition was an important moment in my early singing journey, and the prize also provided meaningful support for my family at the time,” she said.

In 2017, she joined local non-profit performing arts organisation Project 021, which she credits as an important part of her development as a performer. Zara has been involved with Project 021 theatre productions ever since.

“When I look back, I’m amazed how far she has come and how many events she has attended,” said Mark. “It tells me Zara is always willing to grow and develop.”

Internship

The online internship ran from 15 July to 7 August. The opportunity came about through a connection Mark made a few years ago when he met American electronic dance singer and producer Terri B! (Bjerre), while she was in Cape Town.

“Terri B! is a three-time Billboard dance artist who has worked with Avicii and DJ Roger Sanchez. She became great friends with my family and was always in contact with Zara, giving advice and guidance,” he said.

People Terri B! knew in the USA recommended that Zara apply for the Power2Inspire Summer Internship. “And then to hear all these great heavyweight musicians were online with Zara,” said Mark.

During the programme, Zara worked in the singer and songwriter lane on a project inspired by George Clinton and funk music. Mentors included Ruby Amanfu, Gordon Chambers, Paul Stewart, Bob Celestin, Mikaili, Aiyan Ector, Kelli Sae, Siedah Garrett and JoJo.

Lessons from the mentors

Zara said each mentor brought something different. Gordon Chambers taught her about emotional connection in a song and how singing is not only about hitting the right notes but about truly feeling what you are singing. “He was extremely kind, encouraging and authentic.”

Kelli Sae, rather than simply talking to the group, asked them questions about their singing and songwriting. She challenged them to sing a line from a song using a different emotion. Zara said she appreciated how intentional Sae was.

Paul Stewart and Bob Celestin focused on the business side of music, which Zara said helped her understand that being an artist is not only about the creative side.

Siedah Garrett, who co-wrote Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” with Glen Ballard, told the group: “You can’t force anything creatively.” She also spoke about writing authentically, even if only one person is touched by what you create, and that the best idea wins, not necessarily the best person.

Overall, Zara said she learnt the importance of networking, building a community, being authentic and educating yourself. “Talent is important, but there is so much more to developing yourself as an artist.”

Stage experience

Zara has been on stage at the Baxter and Artscape theatres, Joseph Stone Auditorium and Bellville Civic. She was a semi-finalist in the Suidoosterfees Talent Search in 2023 and 2024, participated in MOD’s Got Talent (a provincial government after-school programme) last year, was a top 10 finalist in Fresh Faces 2025 at the Baxter, and appeared on Cape Town TV. She is also a featured vocalist on the unreleased single “Midnight Glow”.

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Mark said being available for events has been a priority. “I have been available 99% of the time to support her at events. The other 1% is my 82-year-old dad.”

Time and distance to events are a huge sacrifice, as events could be anywhere, he said. Early starts and late travelling times are part of the journey.

“It is always exciting because we meet people and go to new areas that we never have gone to before,” he said.

Ambitions

Zara, who is currently unemployed and volunteers at a home for abandoned children, wants to continue developing as a vocalist, gain live performance opportunities and build her identity as an artist. She is also interested in cruise ship entertainment.

Her faith is central to everything she pursues. “I want my career and the opportunities I receive to align with my faith and the person I believe God has called me to be.”

Advice

Zara’s advice to young people with talent: “Don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Start somewhere. You never know who’s watching, so give it your all, always.”

She cautioned against comparing your beginning to someone else’s end result, encouraged performers to accept correction and ask questions, and said it is acceptable to decline an opportunity that does not feel right.

“A bigger opportunity will come your way sooner or later. Nurture your gift and then pour it out gracefully and authentically.”