Singing a Dream into Life
She auditioned at a church in Pioneerspark, a competition called ‘The Namibian Championships of Performing Arts’, this was where Treza Cooper’s singing journey took flight. Through a series of competition rounds, Treza has been selected to jet off to America to represent Namibia in the ‘World Championships of Performing Arts’ later this month. 99FM’s MYD Art spoke to Treza, the woman who plays the music as an on-air DJ by day, and who makes music come alive with her melody by night, about this competition and what it means to her.
“Growing up I found music so fascinating. I would sing at random places. On Sundays, when cooking, my voice would echo through the whole house at the Children’s Home where I use to stay. One of the housemothers used to always insist I should enter Idols South Africa.”
“At the time of my audition, I was not aware of how serious it was and was very surprised that I made it to the semi finals in South Africa. The room was filled with individuals who take their art seriously, it was truly a beautiful sight to see.” Say Treza explaining how her singing career took flight, how it began, explains Treza, “I started singing in the shower” she says laughing, “Singing along to my favourite 90’s Hip Hop and RnB songs. It was usually a Brandy song on repeat or Black-Street’s Don’t Leave Me Girl, basically the whole late 90’s catalogue. Growing up I found music so fascinating. I would sing at random places. On Sundays, when cooking, my voice would echo through the whole house at the Children’s Home where I use to stay. One of the housemothers used to always insist I should enter Idols South Africa.”
A tribute to her mother, “I think all of us have some sort of coping mechanism that helps us deal with the harsh realities of life. For me singing was my coping mechanism. My late mother could sing and it was not until she passed that I was told she had a beautiful voice too.”
Throughout her singing journey, Treza took it upon herself to develop her craft as best she could, “I joined a choir, but choir rehearsals interfered with school so I had to stop. When I was at UNAM, I took part in a talent competition, and sang at campus events to just get used to a stage setting. I soon realised that I did not just want to sing as a hobby.” She adds laughing, “ I realised that I really wanted to be a Beyonce in my own right.”
“I started performing acoustic shows at the Cardboard Box. They have live shows every Wednesday to help aspiring artists practice their skills. I have become a regular as I still need to work on my technique, and more importantly my stage presence. I always get so nervous getting on stage, I am not quite used to it yet, that is why I keep getting back on stage.”
Song Night was where Treza’s singing career started to hit the high notes with audiences. “I had the honour of gracing the Song Night stage, which was my first large scale performance. After my set, I got so much good feedback from the audience that realised maybe I should take the singing more serious.”
“For me this competition means the world, I don’t care much about the winning, I care about the experience and just representing my country on such a big platform.”
Now Treza is about to set off to America to represent Namibia is a global performance based competition. “For me this competition means the world, I don’t care much about the winning, I care about the experience and just representing my country on such a big platform.”
With plans to release her already recorded debut album on her return from the competition, right now Treza is solely focused on representing Namibia on this global platform. “There is so much work to be done, but right now the focus is Los Angeles, and doing well there.” Says Treza.
“My journey has just started and although it frightens me so much, I have decided to go for it and see where this journey takes me.”
“Talent is nothing without hard work. I know this, because I was told I could sing but never really worked hard to get myself out there, I would always tell myself that I was not ready. If you want something really bad, no matter the circumstances, you will do anything to get it. Even if it means failing over and over again. This is now the mindset I have developed, that in order to achieve you must believe and be willing to work your butt off to make your dream a reality.” Says Treza who adds, “My journey has just started and although it frightens me so much, I have decided to go for it and see where this journey takes me.”
The World Championships of Performing Arts is taking place in Los Angeles, America on the 25th of June till the 12 July 2017.