UK singer receives Kevin van Niekerk painting

A large painting by George artist Kevin van Niekerk, a beautiful rendering of British singer and songwriter Calum Scott, will soon be travelling to the UK - in the possession of the artwork's subject.

- Alida de Beer

Kevin van Niekerk and Calum Scott painting.

Scott, who became widely known after winning the 2015 Britain's Got Talent contest, is on tour in South Africa.

Van Niekerk's painting features him, his mother, Debbie, as well as Whitney Houston, whose song, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", he re-released last year, more than a decade after the singer's death. Scott's reinterpretation of the song was a duet with Houston and was recorded using her vocal stems (an audio file containing her voice).

The painting, measuring 1.6m x 1.2m, was handed over to Scott in the Kfm 94.5 studio on Tuesday 13 January, when the singer was having an interview with The Flash Drive presenter Carl Wastie. A video recording was made so that Van Niekerk was also able to experience the moment. Says Van Niekerk: "Calum's mum was also in the studio for the handover, and she burst into tears. It was very special."

Van Niekerk used his special coffee stain technique in the painting, the second one he has created for the singer. The first one was handed over during Scott's previous tour of the country three years ago. "Calum then wanted another painting, but also featuring his mum and Whitney," says Van Niekerk.

When the canvas was rolled open in the studio, Scott bantered: "My favourite drink. What an incredible artwork and what a talent you have. I can look at it and enjoy it, and I'm going to wet it, wring it out and have a coffee with it. Thank you so much."