When I set off in my career on a road to wanting to share my music with the world, I could never have imagined the twists and turns that journey would bring. So much of my experience has been unexpected and miraculous while a lot of it has required sheer determination and gritting my teeth when I've wanted to give up. I've ended up touring the country speaking on innnovation and training people in how to apply Edward De Bono's Six Thinking Hats and I've sung in Opera halls and Townships. My story has been shared on numerous documentaries and my business model of 'selling an album that didn't exist' was rated #25 in the HSBC 'Top 100 Business Ideas' magazine in the UK. I've also gone through months of nothing much happening at all and shows with poor attendance - all part of being a musician - the ups and the downs. It has been a rollercoaster to say the least!
So imagine my suprise when a friend reading the new James Bond novel 'Carte Blanche' by best selling author Jeffery Deaver, stumbled across these lines on page 244 “From the speakers in the ceiling, the harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the inspirational songs of the Cape Town singer Verity provided an appealing soundtrack to the evening"!
I was blown away and more than a little confused, because even with a small amount success as home I would never have imagined an author of his calibre being familiar with my music. After emailing him to say thank you and satisfy my curiosity as to how I've made it into a James Bond novel, it turns out he's caught a few of my shows over the years. It just goes to show that you never know who's listening and when opportunities might arise from seeds you planted years ago.
Since news got out about the mention I've been approached by a top music publisher and if we sign a deal he will looking to get my music included in the film if and when the book turns into a script. Jeffery Deaver has also offered to put in a word for me if the opportunity arises! So here I sit, on the brink of recording another album yet still reaping fruit from my first one and feeling very grateful indeed.
I may get to be a Bond Girl yet : )
