ROSHAN ABRAHAMS
Ottery resident Bregarson Alkana, 22, will be launching his debut gospel music single and video on Friday April 29.
Begarson spent six years dealing with the death of his mother, Jean, who taught him how to sing.
He wrote the song Forever in your arms describing what he was going through.
Southern Mail first met Bregarson in 2013 when he took part in the television programme Clash of the Choirs, where he made it to the round just before the quarter-finals (“Garson sings his way to success”, Southern Mail, February 27 2013).
He had been with his “adopted parents” Carol and Christopher Booysen, who supported him after their son Kyle brought Bregarson into their home to “stay”.
Bregarson commented on how much the Booysen family mean to him. “They mean a lot to me because they are always supportive of what I do, not only in the household but also the extended family as in cousins, brothers and sisters. Not only the Booysen family but also the Nefdt family (aunty Carol’s family).
“They are always there to encourage me and they have shown and given me love and all the support, that’s why I will forever be grateful that God has placed them on my path.”
Bregarson had a tough time dealing with his mother’s death and he kept close to his buddy, Kyle, while living with his aunt Lena Phillips, in Lotus River.
When he entered Ms Booysen’s home, she felt for him and they became his “adopted” parents.
“Kyle brought in Bregarson, who was so quiet – he was just in his room for two weeks.”
She didn’t know if he would ever come out of his shell. Now three years later he has become a part of their family.
“Through the grace of God, he has given us no problems. He saved his money while working during the holidays, and is now doing the launch of his CD.”
Mr Booysen also played a big role in Bregarson’s life. Mr Booysen, also pastor of the Pentecostal church, in Lotus River, said: “Like any other son, he is very lazy around the house, but he is disciplined in his school work. I convinced him to keep on studying after he took a temporary job during the school holidays. He wanted to study while working, but I advised him to study first. He listened. He knows what he wants and I am 100 percent sure he will do well in fu- ture.”
Bregarson said: “As promised, after the Clash of the Choirs competition, I managed to get back into university in 2014. I am now third year at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and will be doing my final year in 2017 for my Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree.
He said his song was written during a trying time. “The song that I will be releasing was written during a difficult time in my life where nothing seemed possible, however, I managed to pull through so now I have a totally different view on the song.”
His friend Brandon Jaftha, of Lotus River, is the producer of his music video.
Brandon said: “I went to film school, but had to drop out due to financial difficulties. I met Bregarson through a family member. We spoke and I asked him if I can do his music video. We shot the video at four different locations and used backing vocals as well.”
A rendition of Bregarson’s life, while growing up, will also be displayed at the launch.
Bregarson grew up with his parents, a brother and sister at The Ark in Faure. The first time he sang in a choir was in Grade 4, at the Isaiah Christian Academy. “I discovered my voice through my mother, who was also a singer, when she taught me how to harmonise with the song called With all I am, from Hillsong.”
He is currently doing his practical teaching for Grade 10 and Grade 11s at Witte- bome High School, in Wynberg. “I enjoy teaching, but love singing and one of my dreams is to motivate youngsters through my story.”
Forever in your arms will be launched at the Grace EBC hall, in Klip Road, Lotus River, on Friday April 29.
Contact Bregarson on 062 851 2468 for more information.