Local singer selected for national championships
ALL her life Franceline Jonas, 26, has wanted to sing, and now she has been selected to compete in the South African Championships of Performing Arts to be held in Rustenburg on April 7.
Jonas lives in Port Alfred but has two mentors in Kenton-on-Sea, Fiona Going and Hillary Glisson, who have been training and encouraging her to perform.
| AIMING FOR THE TOP: After winning in the provincial heat, local singer Franceline Jonas (centre), was over the moon at having been selected for the South African Championships of Performing Arts, to be held in Rustenburg on April 7. Her mentors, Fiona Going (left) and Hillary Glisson have dedicated themselves in ensuring their student gives no less than her best at the national competition Picture: ROB KNOWLES |
"Franceline came to sing for us at the school (Kenton Music School) last year,” said Going. "We were just stunned. Her voice is truly outstanding, and we knew we had to encourage her to sing professionally.”
Jonas is no stranger to competition and has also entered SA Idols and Supersterre in the past. She moved from her home in Cape Agulhas to live in Kenton in 2004, and then on to Port Alfred in 2010.
With the encouragement of Going and Glisson she entered the regional competition under the vocals section, held in Port Elizabeth on February 5 and sponsored by the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
She walked away with one of only five slots available for vocalists. Other categories include acting, dance, ballroom, instrumental and modelling.
"This is a brilliant opportunity,” said Jonas. "It's probably the biggest thing that's every happened to me, and I'm working really hard to give myself the best chance of winning at the championships.”
Music teacher Glisson said four styles of music were to be performed at the championships including Broadway, rhythm and blues, gospel and contemporary.
"We're helping her in each of the categories,” said Glisson, "but her real passion is for gospel music.”
Glisson explained that Jonas would be required to wear a different costume for each of her four performances, which Jonas is expected to supply.
"We also need transport for her to get to Rustenburg in April, as well as her accommodation,” she added. "This is a great opportunity to help local talent to appear in the spotlight, a great promotion for the town.”
"I am so grateful for everything everyone has done for me. And I need to make special mention of my first teacher, pastor Johan Swanepoel back in Cape Agulhas, who helped me at the very beginning of my career in music,” she said. 
If you would like to assist Jonas, contact Hillary Glisson on (046) 648-2141, or e-mail her at .
Rob Knowles