Anslin Gysman, of Kuils River, was knocked out of The Voice SA at the weekend, but he says his musical journey has only just begun.
The 23-year-old payroll officer at the University of Western Cape says he auditioned “just for the fun of it”.
But in the blind auditions, Gysman turned the chairs of three of the four coaches – Riky Rick, Riana Nel and Francois van Coke – before choosing Van Coke as his coach.
“Being on the third season of The Voice SA has changed my life, drastically,” he says. “Every week, I was in shock that I had made it this far and learned so much about music that I thought I knew, but didn’t. This doesn’t mean that because it was my last performance on The Voice SA, that it will be my last ever performance. Watch out, SA, here I come, I will be making a difference in the lives of others – through music.”
He grew up poor in Philippi and moved to Kuils River five years ago. It was in church that he found his voice, he says.
He attended Groenvlei High School in Lansdowne where he was involved in all music and talent shows, including dancing.
He has done back tracks with Jimmy Nevis, Youngsta CPT and The Voice SA Season 2 winner Craig Lucas.
In 2018, Gysman suffered the loss of his uncle, who had raised him.
“I started questioning God, asking why he would take the only person and inspiration away from me? But, through the music, I found healing, worked harder and entered The Voice SA.”
He wants to write his own music and find a way to mix gospel and secular music.
“I want my music to heal anyone with a beating heart.”
He says he is excited to get back to “his normal life” as he returns to work next Monday,June 23.
The competition, he says, has been “an absolutely incredible journey,” but it is hard work.
His advice to other young artists?
“Learn and listen to other artists, even if you feel you have more experience than them. Their journey and yours will always be different. But most importantly, stay true to yourself.”