Viral sensation, Desmond Koolen - popularly known as Little Desi - is taking the world by storm as he received a total of 27 medals at the South African Championships of Performing Arts which took place from September 20 to 28.
The voice-over artist, singer and performer received a total of five Gold, six Silver, four Bronze medals individually and four Gold, four Silver, four Bronze in his respective groups at the event held last month at Rustenburg Civic Centre in North West.
He further secured one overall achievement award in the 5-12 vocal age with the highest score in the age group and 1 overall achievement award for acting in the 5-12 age range which was also the highest score in the age group.
Koolen took to Instagram to announce the massive achievement he received with a caption that says, “And just like that SA Champs for 2024 is done! 30 items with 18 solos and 12 groups. 27 medals as well as two overall achievement awards for vocal and acting category.”
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The Grade 2 student gained popularity in August 2023 for his rendition, “I feel Good” of the popular American RnB singer, James Brown. Well-known American celebrities like Will Smith shared the video on their social media accounts, which made Koolen go viral globally.
In September, Little Desi attended the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation event, where he exchanged a few slick moves with South African Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi.
The cute dancing video receive a total of 240,746 plays, which was yet again a viral moment for Koolen.
In August, the little superstar received a nomination at the South African Social Media Awards under the category of Social Media Kid Influencer of the Year.
Koolen will represent South Africa at a global stage in Los Angeles at the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2025.
Other contestants like Hanna van den Barselaar-Smith won a Junior Grand Champion of the Year Award and Monja Roux won a Senior Grand Champion of the Year Award.
The two winners also won a trip to Los Angeles to attend the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2025.
IOL