Afikile Dlakavu from East London is one of six unsigned artists from around South Africa who has made it to the finals of this year’s Castle Milk Stout Unplugged talent search competition.
Dlakavu, 25, said he only entered the competition on insistence from a friend, who thought he might stand a good chance of winning it.
“So I went onto their website, sent through a demo of a performance of my own original song and six weeks later I was told I was a semifinalist,” Dlakavu said.
He said the song Eyes of My Heart, which he wrote three years ago, was inspired by a real-life experience.
“It’s a typical guy-meets-girl scenario like most love songs, but this one deals more with falling in love at first sight and promising each other to grow old together,” he said.
He describes his style as a cross between John Legend and Sam Smith, two of his favourite musicians.
The competition, now in its second year, provides unsigned artists an opportunity to compete for a six-month contract with Universal Music Group.
More than 2500 artists entered the competition, but that was whittled down to seven finalists by a panel of judges.
The other finalists are Asanda Nqiki and Sizwe Yaze from Port Elizabeth, Amohelang Mohlotsane and Tumelo Moloto from Johannesburg, Dineo Mwaturo from Pretoria West and Phumla Sibanyoni from Daveyton.
From tomorrow the finalists compete at three exclusive concerts on the Castle Milk Stout Unplugged tour in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban alongside The Muffinz and DJ Kenzhero, hoping to be named the best talent in the genre of soul and R ’n B.
The winning artist wins R20000 in cash plus a contract with Universal Music, who will record, polish up and promoted their song for six months.
Dlakavu said the competition had already opened new doors for him.
“I feel like I am many steps closer to realising my dream of being a full-time musician.”
VIDEO: Dlakavu reaching for the stars
Dlakavu, 25, said he only entered the competition on insistence from a friend, who thought he might stand a good chance of winning it.
“So I went onto their website, sent through a demo of a performance of my own original song and six weeks later I was told I was a semifinalist,” Dlakavu said.
He said the song Eyes of My Heart, which he wrote three years ago, was inspired by a real-life experience.
“It’s a typical guy-meets-girl scenario like most love songs, but this one deals more with falling in love at first sight and promising each other to grow old together,” he said.
He describes his style as a cross between John Legend and Sam Smith, two of his favourite musicians.
The competition, now in its second year, provides unsigned artists an opportunity to compete for a six-month contract with Universal Music Group.
More than 2500 artists entered the competition, but that was whittled down to seven finalists by a panel of judges.
The other finalists are Asanda Nqiki and Sizwe Yaze from Port Elizabeth, Amohelang Mohlotsane and Tumelo Moloto from Johannesburg, Dineo Mwaturo from Pretoria West and Phumla Sibanyoni from Daveyton.
From tomorrow the finalists compete at three exclusive concerts on the Castle Milk Stout Unplugged tour in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban alongside The Muffinz and DJ Kenzhero, hoping to be named the best talent in the genre of soul and R ’n B.
The winning artist wins R20000 in cash plus a contract with Universal Music, who will record, polish up and promoted their song for six months.
Dlakavu said the competition had already opened new doors for him.
“I feel like I am many steps closer to realising my dream of being a full-time musician.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos