WHITNEY APRIL IS SINGING HER WAY INTO OUR HEARTS

It is with such a voice that the introverted young Whitney April, in her first year as a teacher, posted a cover that’s landed her a career and 1.2 million likes on TikTok.

Born and raised Capetonian teacher turned inspirational pop artist, Whitney April, found fame through TikTok and is now working on her EP set to be released in 2023.

Whitney’s singing journey wasn’t something she saw herself doing but with role models like her brother, she has blossomed into a flushing singer.

“The role my brother played in my interest in music and why I started to pursue it…he loved music the same as me but he started quite early on, like his DJing and he’s producing and writing and he involved me a lot within the process,” she explains.

“I always admired him. He’s younger than me but he’s a go-getter and it’s really inspiring to see that he just puts himself out there.” She also acknowledges her high school vocal teacher, Mr. Swanepoel, as an influence who boosted her confidence with singing and taught her different techniques.

During lockdown, Whitney duetted with another person singing on TikTok. Soon, she started avidly posting singing covers and began to get a positive response. People began requesting songs for her to sing and realising that she enjoyed singing, she chose to carry on.

”Even in our family meetings, where we used to sing, Whitney would never offer to sing on her own. Even people were asking ‘why don’t you join other singing competitions?’ and it was not her interest. She believes in God’s timing and God’s timing is perfect timing,” says Whitney’s dad, Isaac April.

Her singing garnered the attention of Grammy winning musician PJ Morton’s management team, who offered the young star a record deal.

“I actually resigned from my post as a teacher when I got the opportunity to pursue music with management. That is now what I’m doing full time. It was a big leap of faith but that’s now what I’m doing. I’m now moving on with music.”

Whitney’s motto is ‘Do it Afraid’ and believes that even with her anxiety, she can push through the fear and reach her dreams.