Courtney Jonas

Courtney Jonas - iShine SA presenter

On May 11^th, 1989, in Cape Town, Courtney Jonas entered this world to make it her own. Courtney is a beautiful singer, performer, songwriter and actress who portrays a positive youthful image, whilst living out her dream. “Although young, she brings an impressive level of experience, craft and focus, which is bound to earn her huge success. We believe that in years to come she will stand side by side by with our top international acts”, says Nurden Cross, Managing Director of Christian Art Media, South Africa’s largest Christian Music Distributor.

Singing and dancing along to Gospel sensations Rebecca St. James, Amy Grant, Rachael Lampa and many others, then 9 year old Courtney dreamed of becoming a Gospel artist. “I want my music to create an atmosphere where people can come, open their hearts to God and not feel judged in any way”, said Courtney. “I want to sing to all the lost, broken-hearted, sad, happy and vibrant people out there. Everyone deserves to have a close relationship with God and hear His voice. I want to grow stronger each year by HIS grace, and be HIS instrument in this world”.

Courtney won countless vocal competitions throughout her growing years. She was selected to represent South Africa at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles for singing, dancing and keyboard. She has also performed the South African National Anthem at international ice-skating competitions, a sport in which she represented South Africa and is now a part-time judge. After graduating in musical theatre and dance at the Waterfront Theatre College, Courtney was immediately snapped up by MNET's hit reality show, High School Musical: Spotlight SA, where she featured in the top 7 girls and wowed the producers so much, that they offered her a role in the stage production of High School Musical: Live on Stage, which toured South Africa in 2008/2009 and went on to tour in Shanghai, China in 2009.

After returning from the long tour in Asia with High School Musical, Courtney won the solo category for the Jubilate Gospel competition which was broadcast live on Radio Pulpit AM 657 and went straight into the recording studio to record a Gospel song that was then released on 2 compilation albums.

Courtney then went on to perform in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s smash hit musical: EVITA, where she played the role of Evita’s sister. This production of EVITA enjoyed tremendous success in South Africa with completely sold out seasons in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and went on to win a Naledi Award.

Courtney’s ultimate dream became a reality in 2011 when she signed her fisrt major deal as a Gospel singer and songwriter. She initially focused on iShine Southern Starz, an extension of America’s enormous tween ministry that launched in South Africa in 2011. The iShine All Starz SA TV Show first season flighted on DSTV’s ONE Gospel channel from June to August in 2011 and is currently in its second season, and flight’s every Monday. Courtney has her own devotional slot - “sermonettes” -where she shares her in-depth views on each week’s theme. iShine is a healthy alternative for youth to experience media in a way that is safe for their minds and hearts. Media is the language of our time, central to the youth and the emerging pop culture found in every sphere of life. The iShine Southern Starz CD compilation album featuring all three young iShine Starz Courtney, Connell Cruise and Shanna* released in August 2011. Courtney will be releasing her first solo album in May 2012 through Christian Art Media.

Courtney’s praise and worship career begun to soar when she joined as a guest vocalist with legendary singer/songwriter Brian Doerksen as he toured South Africa last year. A couple of weeks after that significant tour, Courtney along with South Africa’s well loved artist Loyiso Bala jetted of to Norway to record with the world famous Oslo Gospel Choir as their headline artists on their latest delivery “Stay Amazed”, the CD is currently available in stores. The choir will be touring South Africa in the current months and Courtney Jonas will join them to record a live DVD of “Stay Amazed” in our beautiful country.

It is apparent that Courtney is no stranger to touring and live stage performance, “people are extremely important to me, during a live event I ensure they feel loved and try my level best to make a personal connection with them. I am a bundle of energy on stage and hopefully the audience feeds off that” adds Courtney. 

Courtney’s driven nature opens her to new projects daily, where she thrives on making a success out of a challenge. Family and close friends are really important to Courtney and she is very blessed to have them love and support her and her career. “I want to carry on being Gods instrument by spreading His word through my music ‘till the day I die. He has called me, this is my purpose and I will follow Him and talk to His people all the days of my life!” concludes Courtney.

For more info on Courtney Jonas online:
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Courtney-Jonas