Whitney April’s leap of faith lands her on big stages
In just a year of actively playing within the music industry, Whitney April is already making remarkable moves. The 26-year-old has been billed to perform at Cape Town’s biggest concerts, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Gala that takes place next week Friday, the Abbotts College open day on September 21st and will top up the triple thread with an opening performance for American superstar PJ Morton who set to perform live Cape Town in October.
“Everything that is happening to me is like a dream come true really. I always had a big love for music and I never thought that I would be anywhere with it because of how shy I am naturally. But taking that leap, at the time that I did, was the best decision I made for myself,” she said.
The rising star hails from the Mothercity and earlier this year released her debut single Fighters, which is dubbed as an International Women’s Day anthem. The song is said to be doing extremely well, a beautiful surprise for the introverted singer.
Whitney’s jump from being a school teacher was motivated by her huge passion and love for music, and wanting to fulfill a desire so deep that it kept her up at night.
“When I left high-school and wasn’t really sure of what I wanted to do. I ended up in teaching and that is when I would incorporate music in my lessons. My soul communicated with me consistently about how it longed for music and I knew that I needed more.”
During lockdown, the songstress posted cover songs that trended but the calling was too loud to ignore.
She got on a plane to the USA to make music and is ready to share more with the listeners. Resigning from her job gave her so much peace, she shared.
“I was held back by fear really. Had I chosen to let fear take over and deter me from taking that leap of faith that has changed my life, I believe I would still be in a classroom teaching. Not that there’s anything wrong with teaching, but I followed my gifting and I am truly happy doing so,” she said.
“But also on the other hand, I feel like the timing of when I resigned and jumped straight into music was the right time, coupled with a lot of praying.”
Whitney comes from a very small immediate family but attributes her love for music to her extended family, especially her mother’s side of the family. Still very shy, she knew music was an avenue that she needed to explore.
“I am extremely shy to this day but music has this ability of pulling me out and that’s when the performances come out. It’s like another side of me is activated when the music comes on.
But all in all, Whitney hopes that her taking that all important leap of faith, following her heart’s desires, inspires her peers to go for what they love.
“Manier times we don’t see ourselves making it because of where we come from, like how I didn’t think my gift would do anything for me, but we are worth it. My journey has proved it. Anything is possible and it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. I would hope that even my music, and the songs that I write ignite a stubborn faith and a relentless spirit within anyone to just strive for the best,” she said.
Performing at the iconic Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Gala, the prestigious Abbotts College and selected as 1 of 2 opening acts for the Multi-Grammy-Award-Winning musician and keyboardist in Maroon 5, PJ Morton Live in Cape Town concert, speaks volumes of the talent that is Whitney April.
Halala Whitney!!!!
Watch her Fighters video here: