After completing his third run in the national championships, Desi has once again earned the opportunity to represent South Africa internationally next year!
Johannesburg (20 October 2025) – Nine-year-old Desmond Koolen is no stranger to making South Africans smile.
He’s the kid whose ‘I Feel Good’ performance at school went viral around the world, the same super-fan who charmed his Springbok heroes after their World Cup win, and the boy who’s already shared stages with big talent, including SA’s Desmond and the Tutus.
He has even used his voice to remind people about what matters all before the age of ten.
Desi has pulled off another huge achievement in his third run at the South African Championships of Performing Arts (SACOPA) with a medal count that’s hard to believe – 32 medals in total!
The championships ran from 1 to 11 October, and Desmond represented Gauteng. He competed in acting, vocals, modelling and even dance for the first time.
He walked away with 5 gold, 11 silver and 6 bronze medals in solo categories, plus 12 more in group events. On top of that, he secured the Overall Acting Award (age 5–12) along with two group overall awards.
It was also a special honour when he got to open this year’s event by performing the national anthem.
Adele, Desi’s mom and biggest supporter, is proud. She says:
“Once again I was left awestruck at [Desi’s] work ethic, tenacity and mostly his character both when he won and when he didn’t! Extending his hand of congratulations to each contestant even when his heart was sore speaks to the young man he is,’ she says, adding “He truly epitomizes what it means to be the I Feel Good Kid and I cannot be prouder of him!”
The SACOPA has been running for 28 years and is often seen as a springboard for young talent.
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Northwood Principal Joins His 'Knights' in a Bold Show of Cancer AwarenessThis year’s gold achievers go on to represent South Africa at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Desmond is one of the shining stars who have earned the opportunity to head there next year, proudly wearing green and gold!
Congratulations to Desi! Here’s an oldie but a goldie:
@actually_its_adele So proud of this boy! Performed infront of the whole jnr prep today #fyp #tiktoksouthafrica #thisismylife #momandboylife #kidperformer #adoptionjourney ♬ original sound – Adele Koolen
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