Martinus Miguel, a 12-year-old student from Richmidal Learning in Dubai, has recently gained international recognition at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024, held in Long Beach, California, USA. Representing the UAE, Martinus secured multiple awards, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication.
"As a 12-year-old, I was deeply inspired by stories of perseverance and faith from religious figures and stories," Martinus shared. "One particular story that resonated with me was that of David and Goliath from the Bible. David's courage and trust in his abilities, guided by his faith, enabled him to triumph against all odds. This story taught me that age and outward appearances don't determine our potential for success."
Martinus drew parallels between his journey and that of David. "Just like David, I felt inspired to take on challenges like participating in competitions such as WCOPA. It wasn't just about showcasing my talents but also about embracing the opportunity to share my faith through my performances. WCOPA became a platform where I could express my talents and share my beliefs with the world," he explained.
His impressive list of awards includes:
Junior Multi-Medalist
WCOPA GRAND FINALIST Junior Category
Division Champion for Gospel With Self Accompaniment
Gold Medal - Grand Finalist
Silver Medal - Semi-finalist
Gold Medal - Vocal R&B Soul Jazz
Gold Medal - Gospel With Self Accompaniment
Gold Medal - Vocal Contemporary
Gold Medal - Vocal Gospel
Silver Medal - Instrumental Open
Silver Medal - KEM Trio Contemporary
Bronze Medal - Vocal Open
Preparing for WCOPA required a disciplined routine. "My daily routine revolved around structured practice, guidance from my voice teacher, and maintaining a healthy balance in all aspects of my life to ensure I was fully prepared to perform at my best," Martinus explained.
Winning multiple medals brought immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. "Knowing that my dedication to practicing, refining my skills, and preparing meticulously has paid off is incredibly validating. It affirms that the effort and sacrifices made were worthwhile," he said.
Martinus particularly enjoyed the Instrument/Vocal with Accompaniment Instrument category. "This category allows me to feel a sense of accomplishment when I successfully blend vocals with instrumental accompaniment. It’s a fulfilling experience to see and hear the harmonious fusion of both elements in a cohesive performance," he noted.
Balancing schoolwork with his passion for performing arts is a challenge Martinus manages well. "I identify and prioritize assignments, projects, and rehearsals based on deadlines and importance. This allows me to tackle the most urgent tasks first while ensuring I make progress in both academics and arts," he said.
He attributes much of his success to his family's unwavering support. "My family has been my constant source of encouragement and belief in my abilities. They attend my performances, provide emotional support during setbacks, and celebrate my achievements wholeheartedly," Martinus shared.
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