WATCH: 12-year-old singer a social media star
SWEET VOICE: Sayde Fillis, 12. Picture: Monique Duval
A 12-year-old boy is causing a stir on social media as he delights crowds with his singing.
Sayde Fillis from Kalkfontein was thrust into the spotlight last week when a video of him belting out Adele’s hit Easy On Me at a school event went viral, garnering over 4000 shares on Facebook.
VIDEO: Monique Duval
The Grade 6 pupil from Irista Primary School says under the guidance of his father, Andrew, 33, he’s been singing all his life.
“I learn from my father who is helping me produce my own album. I love singing and grew up in a house where everyone sings. I was at the school function and they asked me to sing but I didn’t know there was a video.”
Andrew says he and his wife Tesline, 32, they got a skrik when they realised their talented son had become an overnight sensation.
“We didn’t know there was a video and we were shocked when so many newspapers started calling us,” he says.
“We saw the comments and we are very proud because he works really hard.
“He is part of the choir at the Old Apostolic Church in Sarepta but due to Covid there have been some restrictions. He has some of his own songs that I have written for him which are mostly Afrikaans and R&B. Right now we are figuring out his range but he keeps on surprising us.”
Sayde idolises Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Early B and says: “My favourite type of music is pop because I like the flow. My dream is to one day become a singer and make my own music.”
VIDEO: Monique Duval
“The father and son duo are working hard to win the Star Struck competition where Sayde performs each week in the build up to the finals.
“If he makes it to first place, he will receive a R350 000 record deal,” says Andrew.