Before recounting the remarkable meeting of Amira Willighagen and guitarist Vincent van Hessen on the street, it is worth considering the power of chance encounters in the world of street performance. Street artists like Vincent often find themselves spontaneously interacting with passers-by, creating intimate and memorable moments of connection through music. These impromptu performances not only showcase raw talent but also highlight the magic of music’s ability to connect strangers and cross borders. In the case of Amira’s unexpected appearance, it serves as a testament to the extraordinary talent that can be found in the most unlikely of places, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on all who witness it.
Observers were completely unaware of this little lady’s extraordinary talent until she stepped up to the microphone on the street to sing. Amira Willighagen, winner of Holland’s Got Talent 2013, sang a street song with a guitarist in a video that was recorded on tape in 2015. Even at only eleven years old, she really has the voice of an angel – perfect, mature, and pure!
On the street outside the restaurant, Amira volunteered to sing “Ave Maria” alongside guitarist Vincent van Hessen as passers-by walked by. He played while Amira showed off her skills to everyone around and with the help of YouTube to the world – the video has gotten countless views over the years!
Vincent posted the video and did not forget to write “I am an experienced artist” in the YouTube description. I perform in social settings such as bars, parties, and cruise ships, but my main venue is the street. The street performance gives the artist direct access to a group of people who choose to listen and watch the phenomena because they have the opportunity, not because they have a pre-arranged plan to attend the show on any given occasion.”
“As a street entertainer, I can hold a crowd of up to 300 people at a time, which is really nice and creates an intimacy that comes across in a really subtle and unusual way,” he stated. During this unusual career, I encountered some truly fascinating and uncomfortable moments. The latter includes dealing with drunk people, mentally ill people, “difficult” teenagers, and the occasional “lust,” which is when random people approach me fully expecting to just walk up and demand to play. the song during one of my street reveals because they themselves are such “fantastic” entertainers.”
However, Amira revealed that this was not the case: “On Sunday, June 21, 2015, a bearded man came up to me while I was singing various songs, including ‘S*xual Healing,’ ‘Ave Maria,’ and ‘Blowing in the Wind.'” (Bob Dylan/J.S. Bach/Marvin Gaye). I completely ignored him and continued singing because I wasn’t going to stop at that particular moment because someone really needed my attention, especially since about fifty other people were enjoying the music. After I finished the mix, he said: “I have a young star here and she wishes to sing with you.” My first thought was: “Oh, another of those wannabes.” But he waited patiently and stood up. quite close to me.”
“No matter how hard he insisted,” Vincent recounted to the artist, he said to the man with whom he was busy, “No, sir. She’s wonderful, you won’t regret it. She wants to do an ‘Ave Maria’ with you because it’s an opportunity for you it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you did it a minute ago.’
Vincent was taken aback by the request, but still recognized her from the Dutch TV talent show, saying: “To put it mildly, I was incredibly impressed and taken aback by her talent, which made my heart race – maybe even stop.” for a while – but I realized I had to play a song with an extremely talented 11-year-old singer right away.”
Amira Willighagen’s impromptu performance in the streets with guitarist Vincent van Hessen serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary talent that can appear in unexpected places. Her angelic voice and remarkable skills caught the attention of passers-by and audiences around the world, earning her recognition and admiration years later. This chance encounter underscores the magic of music and the profound impact it can have on both performers and audiences. As Vincent contemplates a significant collaboration with the young prodigy, he highlights the timeless appeal of street performances and the potential for remarkable connections to be made in the most unlikely of circumstances. Amira’s talent continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that music brings to our lives.