Eikendal singer Cheswyn “Ray” Ruiters will perform in his first virtual concert this weekend.
Ruiters, 24, was the first winner of the reality talent-search show, Maak My Famous, co-created and hosted by Emo Adams, last year.
This Sunday, he will sing soul and R&B with a touch of gospel on Lunchtime Live, accompanied by Jarrad Rickets, Megan Danner, Rotas the Rapper and Jayson Kleinschmidt.
Ruiters grew up surrounded by gospel music and would sing while doing his chores. That’s what made his parents realise he had talent.
“My dad called me out at church, I was unaware, and I was told to sing. Since then I knew what I had to do,” he said.
He “reluctantly” studied education at the University of Western Cape before quitting in his third year to pursue music. In 2015, he reached the semi finals of SA’s Got Talent, and, in 2019, he released his debut single, A Reason. He is planning to release his next song later this year.
“My first song reminds me that I have one chance in life. With the no’s I’ve received and being turned away, I will continue to work harder,” he said.
The Lunchtime Live show, he said, would tell a story of his journey and life- through song.
“This show will tell my people who I was, where I am and who I am destined to be.”
Ruiters said he wanted to inspire those trying to break into the entertainment industry.
“We look up to international stars, but what about our stories? I want to be a role model for people from my dorpie.”
The virtual show starts at 2pm on Sunday, September 20. Tickets are for sale at R70 at Quicket.