The legacy of Cape music icon Taliep Petersen was honoured on Sunday night when his only son, Ashur Petersen, blew judges away on The Voice SA.
Ashur, 26, from Lansdowne, made his debut on Season 3 of the popular reality show.
His energetic performance of Bruno Mars’ hit song, 24K Magic, landed him the seventh spot on #TeamVanCoke on Sunday.
But it was only when Francois went to congratulate his new addition’s family in the audience, that he found out about Ashur’s background.
“That blew me away,” the coach admitted. “He’s from a great musical family, I think there’s going to be a lot to work with him.”
Each contestant gets 90 seconds to perform to win over the coaches, who sit with their backs to the stage.
JUDGES: Riky Rick, Lira, Riana and Francois van Coke. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
Ashur says it was nerve-wracking when no one turned their chairs for him, but he held on for dear life and was redeemed at the 90th second when Francois turned for him.
“At that moment you feel despondent, but the show must go on,” he says.
“I gave my all and I knew someone was going to turn, it was a 90-second emotional roller-coaster.”
Ashur became the youngest performer ever to fill the Baxter Theatre with his sold-out one-man show Like Father, Like Son in 2013.
“I sang my first song at my primary school, it was Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All.
“Believe it or not, before my voice broke, I had the highest range in my family, I could sing like a girl,” he jokes.
Ashur says his experience on The Voice helped him make new friends.
“This was one of the most humbling experiences of my life,” he tells the Daily Voice.
“I thought my story was bad, but there are so many people out there who have it worse.
“Secondly, this was life-changing. I met so many people, made so many friends... lifelong friends.”
Coaches Riky and Riana both have 10 artists on their teams, meaning they only have two more spots available.
While Lira still has four, with #TeamFrancois nipping at her heels with five empty spots left.
venecia.america@inl.co.za