iPOP Los Angeles

I am Phala Phala, I am currently studying my second year of medicine at The University of the Witwatersrand and while studying, I have been simultaneously pursuing a career in the arts as I feel that it provides a sense of fulfillment for me that medicine does not. As a result of my work and a strenuous application and interview process, I am now one of twenty South African applicants chosen from more than two thousand to attend the International Presentation of Performers (iPOP) next year in Los Angeles in January. This is an immense opportunity as I will be able to perform at their showcase with a large number of talent agencies and representatives in attendance who will be scouting future prospects.

Unfortunately, the event requires me to pay for my own accommodation, training, flights, food and a plethora of other incidental expenses through the DMH talent agency which is handling the South African performers but I sadly cannot afford these expenses as my mother is currently unemployed and struggling to support our family while I study and my sister works. As a result, I humbly ask if there is any possible way for you to support in this endeavour whether it be through financial support or through sharing my story to raise money towards the total needed for the event. I sincerely believe that this opportunity would not only change my life for the better but allow me to support my family as soon as possible while doing what I love.

The total for the fundraiser to reach is approximately R150000 which includes the fee for the event as well as additional amenities such as accommodation at the Hilton Anaheim, flights, training for the showcase, food and transportation, VISA processing fees and sundry expenses. A deposit of R48000 needs to be paid initially in order to secure my position within the events roster. This deposit is needed by the 14th of October and should we not reach the goal within that time, all donations will be returned to the sponsors in as timely a manner as possible.

I have been teaching myself how to play guitar, piano, ukulele and to produce and compose music for the last six years. Through my progress, I have worked on a series of projects with other artists as an instrumentalist and producer. Because of this experience in the professional environment, I feel as though I am not just capable because of my talent but my ability to work and grow has been recognized by other professionals in the field. Should you be able to assist me in this endeavour, I can guarantee that I will be able to yield fruits for all the work I've tried to put into this.

Earlier this year, I was accepted for the Nike x Patta The Next Wave programme which was a 2 day workshop during which we worked with professionals such as the producers from the award winning group, Ganja Beatz. photographers such as Shaniqua Jarvis and a group of entrepreneurs that advised us on integrating art and business like Clint Corteiz from the UK's CRTZ fashion label and the CEO of WAFFLESNCREAM, Jomi Marcus-Bello. During this workshop I received a lot of insight in how to improve myself not only as an artist but as a businessperson and in turn, seize the opportunities granted to me that I feel would change my life for tph better.

I cannot put into words how much this opportunity would mean to me. My family is currently struggling severely financially and as a consequence, my participation in this event at all is something that would change all of our lives for the better. There are so many people who have believed in my potential, who have seen the effort I've put in and my willingness to improve and this opportunity is the result of that belief, effort and will. I know that should I be able to raise enough money and have the chance to attend, I would provide the world with something it's never witnessed. I can sincerely say that as it stands, I will put in all the effort it takes to succeed, not only for myself but for everyone who chooses to believe in me. I simply ask that you choose to believe in me too.

The Next Wave DAZED article - https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/56861...

Official iPOP website - https://www.ipopla.com

DMH Talent Agency - https://www.dmhagency.co.za/ipopla