SA’s Paxton Fielies is heading to Russia

The event is known for drawing young participants and talented performers from around the world. The organisers said the full freedom of creativity and the absence of restrictions in style and genre was the key feature at the festival.

“It feels like a dream,” Fielies said. “I can’t believe I get to perform some of my new material for Russian audiences and get to see the buzz of the soccer World Cup aftermath. I really could not be more excited right now.”

Fielies’ management said the invitation to perform in Russia was the result of hard work.

“She went on a rigorous promotional tour and now finds herself jet-setting off to St Petersburg to be a part of Russia’s biggest cultural event, White Nights of St Petersburg,” it said. “The festival, taking place five days after the World Cup final, sees Paxton perform in Russia – an untapped market for her and she could not be more excited.”

The 17 year old shot to fame after winning Season 13 of South African Idols. She was then invited to Sweden as an ambassador for the World's Children's Prize Foundation and the ‘You Me Equal Rights’ campaign. While in Sweden she performed for Queen Silvia who honoured the singer for her efforts.

This was followed by the June release of her debut album This Is Me featuring the song ‘Angifuni’. The album peaked the iTunes charts on the day of its release. Fielies, who is expected back in the country on 24 July, will join US singer Karyn White on her South African tour. Titled Divas 2018, the tour will see White perform in Johannesburg (27 July), Cape Town (28 July) and Port Elizabeth (4 August).

White Nights of St Petersburg remains one of the most ambitious and beloved events in Eastern Europe. The festival is known for inviting artists such as A-ha (Norway), Paula Abdul (US), Busta Rhymes (US), Eros Ramazzotti (Italy) and Whitesnake (UK) since it was first held in 1993.