Nicho Barnard

Nicho Barnard, born as Johannes Nicholas Barnard, is an Award-Winning Singer, Actor and Qualified and Experienced Film, Television and Theater Director, Producer and Director. Nicho is also the holder of an event management degree, a diploma in fitness and health for indoor cycling, he has a private pilot license in aviation and numerous qualifications and awards in Music, Theatre and Singing. Nicho is the Founder & CEO of The South African Film, Acting & Theater Academy (SAFATA), a Director of two major production houses and a Youth Ambassador for South Africa working with the UN and currently serving as the President of the Model United Nations of South Africa for Youth. *Early Life & Education* . . . Born on the 13th of July 1995 in Welkom, a small town in the Free State Province of South Africa, Nicho grew up there most of his life. He went to primary school in Riebeeckstad and thereafter to Goudveld Highschool in Welkom. Since childhood the performing arts and film industry was a love and passion of Nicho and the bug bit him since the age of 10 years old. Nicho has two sisters, his eldest sister being Savannah van Zyl and his youngest being Dezchane Koen. Nicho grew up with his mother, Marti Koen and stepfather, Hans Koen and also said that his Grandmother, Reynette van Helsdingen was also a great part of his life and career when he was younger. In 2011, Graduating Grade 10 in Goudveld, Nicho left school and moved to the big city where he resided in Hartbeespoortdam with his family. Nicho pursued a flying career path and started studying aviation in 2012 at the Lanseria Flight Center in Johannesburg and after 70 hours of flight time and getting SPL Pilot License, Nicho left the flying industry because of personal and financial difficulties. After expressing that aviation wasn't his passion and dreams, Nicho went ahead and studied Event Management at the end of 2012 and also enrolled with Cambridge International to finish his Grade 11 & Grade 12 through homeschooling. Shortly after Nicho also enrolled himself for Rock School to get his Performance Degree in Vocal Studies and aced a Grade 8 (Highest Level) in the UK for Singing. He also got his Musical Theater Productions Degree by the end of 2015 through the Trinity College in London and completed Vocal Courses through Brett Manning's Singing Success Course. Nicho also took on a Film & Television Directing & Writing course through Wits' media partners, City Varsity, which he completed end of 2015. Throughout 2012 - 2016, whilst studying, Nicho has held numerous occupations in the corporate industries being full time employed to support his studies. This included being a music and private teacher, a vocal coach, a human resource manager, an event planner, a telesales marketer, and even a waiter. However, Nicho believed that being stuck behind a desk and working an ordinary live from 9 to 5 was not what he was destined to do. That is why, throughout the years of being full time employed in corporate, Nicho started working on his own company "NJ Entertainment & Associates on the sideline, to develop and grow it so that it can one day become self-sustainable and sufficient. It wasn't until the end of 2016 when he left the corporate industry for good and started working full time on his own company, dreams, and aspirations. Nicho then drove all his focus in growing his Acting, Directing, Writing, Singing and Producing Career alongside his company's growth and aspirations. NJ Entertainment started branding out in 2017 and Nightlight Productions and SAFATA Academy was created. All of which was a division of the parent and corporate company that is NJ Entertainment & Associates. This however changed in 2018. *Career Timeline* . . . The aspiration started for Nicho when he was just 10 years old. Nicho was big in singing and won his first talent competition when he was in Grade 4 and thereafter competed in every singing and talent competition that you can think of, most of which he won, which included Idols Junior (2005), The Young One (2007), Day with the stars with Lianie May, Fredi Nest, Pieter Naude (2009) and Vocalique with Antonie Bougas (2009). Nicho was in the Welkom Vocal Studio where he was coached by Carin Lombard for 4 years of which he was one of the top 10 students for 3 years and performed on the center stage for 3 of the studio's productions. In 2007 Nicho made a video recording album, Aan Jou Vas, which featured 6 cover tracks. He also performed those covers at the National Wildsfees in Marquad in 2007. In 2009 Nicho made his Theatrical Debut when he was cast in a cameo role in the Rock and Roll Musical "Grease". That year he also competed in the South African Championships of Performing Arts and received 3 silver and 2 bronze medals, Provincial and Honoree Clothes for Singing and was also chosen to feature in the commercial for Kyknet's Music Reality Program called "Kom ons Karioke" presented by Jannie Moolman. Nicho was further also invited as a guest performer for many formal events which included Hospice Charity Fund Drives, Gala Dinner with the Springboks Rugby Team and Miss Goldfields in 2010. In 2010, Nicho aced several golden awards and silver awards in the National Eisteddfod and Nicho also performed in the Andrew Lloyd Webber Tribute Show in the Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre. He was also asked to perform as a guest artist at the Christmas by Candlelight Birthday Bash for Welkom Square and Game's 40th Birthday Bash. In 2010, Nicho also co-assisted his mother's vocal studio, MK Vocal Studio. In 2011, Nicho landed a leading role as "Cogsworth" the British clock in the Broadway Musical "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" and performed for 6 consecutive shows in the Oppenheimer Theatre. The show also got invited for a run in the Bloemfontein State Theatre but never did because of other co-stars' obligations. Nicho competed in the South African Championships of Performing Arts in 2011 and walked away with 2 silver and 1 gold medal and he received full honoree clothes, provincial and South African National Clothes for singing. He was chosen as a representative of South Africa to compete at the World Olympics of Arts in Los Angeles. Nicho was also selected to perform in the Free State Showcase "Starstruck" of the SA Championships, directed by Provincial Director, Anina Hattingh. In 2011, Nicho made his second demo Album, "For your entertainment" and released demo tracks from the album on social media and platforms such as Sound Cloud and ReverbNation. At the age of 16 in 2011, Nicho made his Directing Debut for Theatre when he directed, produced and also starred in his own adaption of the theater production "Fame" alongside 15 other singers, actors, and dancers. The production was showcased at the Koningkryk Auditorium for over 200+ people for one night only and received phenomenal reviews and positive critics from media. Nicho made headlines for being the youngest theatrical Director and Producer to accomplish this. In 2012, Nicho pursued his flying career and traveled all around South Africa, but didn't leave the arts behind. Nicho appeared as a cameo in Generations and Muvongho and was also a cameo in a German Coca-Cola TV Advert. This was Nicho's first paid TV Work. Nicho was also that year chosen as a Top 10 finalist for the Mr. Teen South Africa Pageant. By the end of 2012, Nicho left the flying career and started studying Event Management & Coordination and finished his Advance Vocal Coaching Course with Brett Manning's Singing Success. In 2013 he opened his own Vocal Academy School in Hartbeespoortdam and started developing his company NJ Entertainment. Nicho's vocal academy did several productions which included "Night at the Oscars" and "Christmas Eve" all of which were directed and produced by him. In 2013, Nicho Barnard founded and created "The Xtreme Talent Search", a provincial and regional talent competition. In 2013, Rising Star Academy partnered up with Nicho for the first season of The Xtreme Talent Search and Barnard directed the competition with Andrea Nel's assistance. Nicho was also invited to perform at the New York Times Square Fashion Show for Carmen's Bridal Boutique that year and was also a guest performer at the "We Can Dance" Dance Festival Show in his hometown Welkom. Nicho also made guest performances on the main stage of Monte Casino in Fourways alongside his former partner of 2 years at that time, Jean Benecke. In 2014, the Xtreme Talent Search was renewed for a second season and the competition got expanded majorly to 7 cities. Nicho was announced as director and producer, same as Season 1, and Majestic Melody Studios was announced as the partnering company for Season 2. The Season Finale Showcase was also directed and hosted by Nicho who also made a guest performance in the opening act alongside the Top 10. Throughout 2014, Nicho was asked to join a private school in Randburg Johannesburg as a private teacher and vocal coach and he also assisted in coordinating the school's productions. Nicho directed and choreographed the school's year-end production "Hollywood" and hosted a Christmas Charity Drive "Christmas Carols" in Blairgowrie in November 2014 for the school. Nicho announced his departure from the school in 2015 to pursue other ventures. In 2015, Nicho decided to expand his company, NJ Entertainment & Associates and the company became an officially registered entity. The Xtreme Talent Search was renewed for a third season but Nicho announced that he the season will be postponed until further notice due to other obligations he had at that time. Nicho instead, created and directed a Modern Cinderella Musical, "Once Upon A Song" based on the major motion picture, which showcased at the Roodepoort Theatre in August 2015 for several weeks and got extended due to public demand for an entire month. The Critic's and Feedback of the musical were outstanding and the musical received an overall rating of 85% (Distinction Award) by the Trinity College of Arts in London. Nicho won "Best Actor in a supporting role" and "Best Male Character in a Musical" for his role as "Ravi / Tony" in the musical. The musical itself received a golden award (Distinction) from the Trinity College of Arts in London with International accreditation and recognition. Nicho also started working and developing a brand new television series called "The Crossing" which Nicho created and wrote. It was a drama-thriller TV Series that was pitched to Mnet and SABC. In 2016, "The Crossing" got initial green-lit for a pilot episode by potential networks and principal photography for the pilot started in April 2016. Nicho served as the Showrunner, Executive Producer, Director, and Writer and was also cast in a supporting role of Detective Clarke. Principal Photography was wrapped in May 2016 and post-production took several more months until the episode was finally screened privately to cast, crew, family, friends, and TV executives. Receiving positive reviews and critics, Nicho pursued the show further and re-approached several networks and the show started being developed more fully. Nicho made a guest appearance on the musical game show "Musiek Roulette" on SABC 2 in July 2016 and was asked to join "Noot vir Noot" in the next season but due to other projects, Nicho had to decline the offer. In October 2016, Nicho created a short film production division called "Nightlight Productions" for his company NJ Entertainment & Associates and he gathered a team of people to create a short film in just 48 hours. Nicho directed and produced an action short film called "Play Me" for the 48 Hour Film Festival which screened in cinema's in October 2017. The film won 2 local awards for "Best use of line" and "Best Makeup". and also received 2 honorable mentions for being runner up in the "Audience Favorite Award" and third place overall for the "Best Acting Award". The film was accepted in 4 major film festivals internationally including in New York, Los Angeles and the UK, however, it won no awards there. Nicho was also cast in the lead role as "Seymour" in the Sci-Fi Musical "Little Shop of Horrors" which had numerous runs in November and December 2016. The directors and producers announced the renewal of everyone's contracts and that the show will continue for several more runs in 2017 due to the success and demand of the show and that the same cast will also be doing several other musical productions for the same theatre group throughout 2017. However, Nicho respectively announced his departure from the production and theatre house in January 2017 and did not renew his contract for any of the shows due to other work commitments that was lined up. Personally, at the beginning of 2017, Nicho and his partner of 7 years at that time, broke up in February 2017. Nicho instead decided to focus purely on his career, dreams, and passions and since then has progressed majorly. In March 2017, Nicho announced that Laikin Govender will be a co-director and partner for NJ Entertainment, his company and that the company is planning on expanding more widely. The Crossing (TV Series) was initially picked up by the SABC in early 2017 and the show underwent numerous re-castings. Nicho was confirmed to remain the Showrunner and Executive Producer but won't be the sole Director, and instead, the show will also bring on board several other writers and directors from all around South Africa. Nicho was also re-cast in the supporting role of "Finn Riley" in the TV Series. Production was postponed until 2018 after Nicho decided to pull out from the initial network due to them having financial issues and instead, an international network was confirmed for distribution later that year. Production was set to start in 2018 and the show was renamed as "Obsession" due to International Regulations. However, due to numerous complications, the show was ultimately put on hold until further notice. Throughout 2017, Nicho also made several cameo and background appearances on other TV work including commercial work for Toyota, Emirates, Discovery, Hyundai, Outsurance, Romans Pizza and was also a soldier/military guy (cameo role) in a Silverskerm Movie "Die man met die snor", which aired on DSTV and Showmax in early 2018. By the end of 2017, Nicho directed and co-produced another award-winning short film "A Glass Half Full" which he also made a small cameo appearance in, and directed and produced the international short film "The Tate Experiment" which Nicho also played the lead role of Benjamin Tate. Both films premiered in local cinemas in October and November 2017 and were set to be entered into numerous festivals in 2018 as well as be released in 2018 on major VOD platforms. A Glass Half Full won numerous local awards including "Best Makeup", "Best Special Effects", "Top 3 Best Film in South Africa" and the film was also nominated for "Best Acting", "Best Directing", "Best Sound Design" and "Audience Favorite". Nicho also started doing several workshops and Masterclasses with MASTERCLASS, which included Scriptwriting for Television by Award-Winning and Critically Acclaimed Showrunner, Shonda Rhimes (well-known for Grey's Anatomy, How to get away with murder and Scandal), Acting by Multi-Award-Winning Helen Mirren and Samuel L Jackson and Filmmaking by legendary Martin Scorsese. In November 2017, Nicho started dating young graphic designer, Phillip Overbeek who accompanied Barnard to the first annual Nightlight Premiere Charity Event at Industrial Coffee Works for the Premiere of The Tate Experiment in proud associations with the Movember Foundation and The South African Depression and Anxiety Group. Nicho confirmed that this event is the first of many to come and Nightlight has already discussed annual partnerships with Industrial Coffee Works & the Movember Foundation. In December 2017, Laikin announced her resignation from the company due to personal matters, and instead, Nicho was once again the sole director and CEO of the company NJ Entertainment. In January 2018, Nicho launched the SAFATA division of NJ Entertainment which opened it's doors in Midrand in March 2018 alongside industry professional Liesl Ahlers who was recruited as an Acting Mentor. Later in 2018, Barnard announced various work which was lined up for 2018, including a brand new featurette film and an International Short Film. Nicho also announced that The Xtreme Talent Search Season 3 will remain on hiatus until further notice due to the fact that Nicho was commissioned a brand new radio talk show on Brandlive called "Let's Talk Showbiz" alongside Chante Ras as his co-star. Let's Talk Showbiz successfully ran its first season of the talk show from late 2018 with 10 episodes which featured numerous guest celebrities such as "Queen", "SA's Tina Turner, Caroline Borole", "The ABBA Tribute Show", "Armand Joubert", "Patrick Garcia", "Natalie Delport", "Josh Middelton" and many more. By April 2018, principal photography for Nicho's latest feature film "The Defining Moment" was wrapped. Nicho served as the Producer and Director of the film and also made a short cameo in the film as well. The film featured Liesl Ahlers, Rikus Strauss, Melissa Jooste, and numerous other actors of the Nightlight Group in the film. The film started post-production shortly after and was entered into the Silwerskerm Festival for Kyknet and DSTV as well as numerous other festivals around the world. The film had a private 2-day VIP Premiere Event at the Rockwood Theatre in Pretoria in July 2018. In May 2018, Nicho was appointed as an Executive Producer and Showrunner for another International Television Series by a company called Windmill Productions. The company later appointed Nicho to do the development of the show and Nicho was also made an official Director of the company in July 2018. In August 2018, SAFATA was registered as its own entity and moved away from being a division of NJ Entertainment as Nicho decided to formally close NJ Entertainment down. SAFATA, now an independent company, appointed Danielle Bennett and Evaldi Pretorius as Co-Directors of SAFATA with Nicho. With NJ Entertainment formally being closed down, Nicho continued working on his short film division, Nightlight Productions, re-branding the production house and furthermore focusing on his new production company, Windmill Productions, and his International College, SAFATA. In August 2018, Nicho was chosen and elected as an official Youth Ambassador (Diplomat) for South Africa and traveled to Bangkok for the United Nations Youth Conference to represent South Africa. Nicho was also asked to be a resident head judge of Talent Africa's Regional & Nationals in 2018 and 2019 and SAFATA became one of their official sponsors. Nicho's short film division - Nightlight Productions also for the first year, did not compete in the South African 48 Hour Film Festival due to the fact that the producers of the competition asked Nicho to be an official judge for the festival. Nightlight Productions in partnership with Windmill Productions did produce an international short film called "The Fork in The Road" which guest-starred Rikus Strauss, Darren Ogilvile and Jason Geyer. The film premiere at the Second Annual Nightlight Premiere Charity Event hosted at Industrial Coffee Works in November 2018 in partnership with the Movember Foundation. In 2019, Nicho joined the set of an International Sci-Fi Thriller Feature Film and served as a First Assistant Director (1st AD) and Unit Production Supervisor and furthermore made a small cameo appearance in the film as a Doctor. Shortly after the production of the film, Nicho's radio talk show was renewed for a Season 2 which started in February 2019 with 10 episodes. Season 2 featured guest celebrities such as "Ashlinn Grey", "Werner Bekker", "Kate Normington", "Earl Gregory", "The Capitals", "TinaMari Holland from the US" and many more. Shortly after episode 10 aired, which featured guest stars of the HIT MUSICAL "Chicago", both Nicho and Chante decided to resign as hosts from the talk show after structural changes were done by the radio executive network. Let's Talk Showbiz, in return to that, was canceled in May 2019 with the network saying that without Nicho and Chante, there simply is no Let's Talk Showbiz. They made the show. SAFATA expanded in 2019 and after Liesl Ahlers stepped down as a mentor from SAFATA due to the fact that she was relocating to Cape Town, Nicho appointed Conrad Rust, Melissa Jooste, Francois Olivier and JP Rossouw as new mentors at SAFATA. Talent Africa the competition platform commissioned TALENT AFRICA THE SERIES, a 7-part reality TV series - which Windmill Productions took charge of. Nicho was confirmed to serve as both the Showrunner, Director and Official Host of the reality series which was set to premiere on Mindset (Dstv, Openview and StarSat) in September 2019. Nicho completed his contract with Talent Africa as the resident judge in June 2019 after traveling to New York for Talent America and principal photography for the TV series was wrapped in July 2019. Talent Africa renewed Nicho's contract as a resident judge and confirmed Nicho will remain one of the resident head judges for the new 2019 / 2020 season of regional and national rounds. In September 2019, Evaldi Pretorius stepped down as a director from both SAFATA and Windmill Productions due to health reasons and Nicho and Danielle Bennett became the two sole directors of both companies. Danielle & Nicho thereafter decided to re-brand Windmill Productions and bought over Nicho's previous short film production company, Nightlight Productions" which will serve as the new Windmill Productions from November 2019. Nicho also traveled to Serbia in the UK in September 2019 to work on an International Rom-Com Feature Film as an Executive Producer & Assistant Director. Whilst on set, Nicho also made a featured cameo appearance as a Journalist in the film alongside well-known actor, Jonothan Boynton Lee. Due to the success of Talent Africa The TV Series in October 2019, both Mindset TV and Talent Africa, renewed the series for a second season which started its principal photography in October 2019. Nicho was confirmed to remain the show runner and director of the show and will also remain as one of the main hosts alongside Nicola Ashcroft, but Banele Joe and Chantel Mokwalakwala were confirmed to join Nicho and Nicola as presenters and hosts for Season 2, set to premiere September 2020. Nicho confirmed that he will also continue serving as both a Resident Judge on the competition throughout 2019 and 2020 and furthermore confirmed he will fulfill his role as President of the MUN in SA in 2020 with an International Youth MUN Conference being planned in association with the IGN and other partners worldwide. In November 2019, Nicho was confirmed as an associate producer and director on several other local and international films which is set to go into production in 2020. Nicho furthermore confirmed that there might be a possibility of The Xtreme Talent Search Season 3 returning in 2020 and that he might return back on the radio seat for his former Radio Talk Show - "Let's Talk Showbiz".