‘You have to just give it a shot’

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A rising star from the latest Christmas panto, young singer and actor Angelis (Angel) Hunt was “singing before he could talk”, according to proud father Wendell.

“His mother Stacee used to take him to the church every Sunday — she was in the choir there, and so was his mother’s mother,” Mr Hunt said. “Angel was just fascinated with it. His mother would sing him to sleep.

“He was singing from the age of two, and my observation is his voice just developed. He started singing every day, day in and day out.”

The 12-year-old wowed audiences as part of the youth choir at the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society’s production of ‘Aladdin’.

Fellow performer and Saltus music teacher Dan Guerrard subsequently described Angelis’ voice as one of the best he’d ever heard.

Asked how it started, Angelis told The Royal Gazette: “Well, I just got used to singing when I was a baby, and ever since I really thought I was getting good at it, I worked on it.”

After spotting Angelis on the school stage, a co-worker of Mr Hunt’s recommended his son try out for the BMDS production.

“Something Angel has been telling me for the past few years was he wanted to sing and act,” Mr Hunt recalled, “so I took him up on it”.

“The BMDS wanted children for the play. I took him there to audition and they were just blown away.”

Explained Angelis, when it comes to singing: “I like that I get to be free.

“It’s like nobody can tell me how. Everybody has their own style. I have my own style and I try to carry that through every performance.”

That said, Angelis had just started formal voice training, and has been taken aboard by the CKC Spotlight Talent Agency’s Cha’Von Clarke.

Angelis sang onstage this summer at the Dockyard Culturefest, and again before Premier Paula Cox and Governor George Fergusson at the annual Police Ball.

He was onstage some more for Elliott Primary School’s talent show, and his own TN Tatem Middle School’s ‘Decemberfest’.

“At times I would be nervous,” Angelis admitted, “but I just have to let go.

“Sometimes I close my eyes, but I have to look at the crowd to know who I’m working with. I have to speak to the crowd and make connections.

“You have to just give it a shot. If it’s something you’re good at, it’s worth it. Something good may come up.”

Angelis said he likes all types of music, and doesn’t model himself on any specific singer.

On the matter of inspiration, he said: “To be honest, it would probably be off topic, but I love fishing shows and building shows. That’s inspirational.”

But he can dream big. Asked for his ultimate dream goal, Angelis smiled.

“I would really love to perform at the Grammy Awards. If I really could, I would want to have more Grammys than Whitney Houston.”

His father said he may study abroad when he’s older.

“That’s how it is with Bermuda — compared to the rest of the world, aspiring artists here really have to make that extra step.”

He has honed his talent lately by singing in the Cornerstone Fellowship Choir.

Added Mr Hunt: “He blows my house down with his singing. But it’s great. He wants to follow his dream. I can’t stand in the way of that.”

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