*Article has been updated
Durban – Glenwood High pupil Jhevarn Surajpal was chosen to represent KwaZulu-Natal as a musical soloist in a national competition taking place in Johannesburg in March.
For those who have listened to the 16-year-old strum the chords on his guitar, his talent is undeniable.
But the humble Glenwood High pupil says he was shocked when he was informed that he would represent KwaZulu-Natal at the SA Champs arts competition in Johannesburg in the next few weeks.
It was his rendition of the Eagle’s Hotel California riff that earned him a nod from the judging panel.
Jhevarn said he did not even enter the competition and it was, in fact, his music teacher, Ian Schoeman, who forwarded his name.
“A friend of mine had entered and he told Mr Schoeman that I also play guitar. Mr Schoeman entered me and I took part in the provincial rounds as a musical soloist. I participated in the competition in December and played Hotel California as my rock piece and Autumn Leaves as my jazz piece for the competition,” he said.
Jhevarn, who is in Grade 11, has been playing the guitar for nine years, and plays lead and bass guitar, with lead being his firm favourite of the two. The talented teen hails from a family of musicians.
“My grandfather, father and mother all play instruments. My grandfather plays classical music and my father also plays guitar. My mother is involved in praise and worship in church,” he said.
He said he was very excited to hear that he had been selected for the competition.
Jhevarn’s achievement earned him provincial colours for music. He will be playing the Guns N’ Roses classic, Sweet Child of Mine, in the competition.