MAD singer to grace the 2010 finals

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Thursday October 7, 2010 00:00

Vicky Sampson was last here at the invitation of the My African Dream in 2004, when she rocked with her trademark song as well as motivating young dreamers to pursue their goals with vigour.

As the annual talent show now celebrates its 15th anniversary, Vicky is expected to give the event that spark once again as she has been invited as the guest artist.

Last year the My African Dream had Mara Louw, a singer and judge in the South African Idols show that broadcast on M-Net.

Vicky Sampson's African Dream was famously performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals held in South Africa in 1996.

The song has won her Best Song, courtesy of East Coast Radio, the NTVA Silver for video, and an international MIDEM nomination for video, and has since become an unofficial anthem, speaking to the hopes and dreams of the people of Africa as a whole.

The song has no doubt shot Vicky to fame and stardom worldwide, appearing in shows in Austria, England, Germany, Singapore, Sweden, The Netherlands and the United States of America (US) and sharing the stage with the likes of Shakatak, Al Jarreau, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Peabo Bryson, George Benson, Grace Jones, Randy Crawford, Maxi Priest, Kool and the Gang and the Stylistics.

In South Africa, the Capetownian singer has previously appeared on stage with former South African president Nelson Mandela and subsequently she appeared in a special tribute show, celebrating Mandela's 90th birthday. Vicky has released three albums; namely Shine, Zai and License To Sing and with each album, her considerable talent and growth as a performer, singer and songwriter has been showcased.