Local artists will this weekend battle it out for a lucrative recording deal and a R20 000 cash prize at the grand finale of the Eastern Cape Music Talent Search.
The talent search was launched in February last year by sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina and implemented by the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC).
The ECAVC, together with a panel of judges, travelled around the province hosting auditions for musical talent in the various districts.
ECAVC director Sy Ntuli said the grand finale was scheduled for July last year but they had to move it to this year due to some problems.
“We had other projects around that time and we had to postpone because some of the finalists are students and the only time we could get them was around the holiday period,” he said.
Ntuli said each district had between three to five representatives taking part in the talent search.
“It is going to be hard for the judges to choose. We were blown away by the talent that we saw during the auditions last year.”
From today, the top 30 artists selected from the district auditions will attend a number of workshops leading up to Sunday.
“This talent search is different from the others. We want to make sure the top 30 get something out of this. We have music compilers, radio DJs, seasoned musicians and music lecturers ready to share some wisdom,” said Ntuli.
Second place will receive R10000 and an opportunity to record an extended play while third place gets R5000 and records a single.
The two days leading up to the grand finale on Sunday will consist of live music performances, training, mentorship, and music business workshops that will be conducted by music industry experts.
“Artists will learn about the music industry, marketing, promotion, branding, the art of performance, voice training, song writing, how to release music independently and many other relevant topics.
“They will walk away feeling developed and empowered. We want all participants to benefit, have an amazing experience and walk away as winners,” said Ntuli.
East London singing sensation Asanda “Msaki” Mvana and 2014 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year winner, Nduduzo Makhathini, are expected to be among those giving talks at the weekend.
“Both artists are based in the Eastern Cape and have done well for themselves,” Ntuli said.
Judges on the panel include Gwiba Nkonki from Umhlobo Wenene FM, Mio Khondleka from Algoa FM, Tru FM’s DJ Minty and Tim O’Reilly from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
lThe Eastern Cape Music Talent Search takes place on Sunday from 3pm at the ECAVC. —poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Artists battle for fame and fortune
The talent search was launched in February last year by sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina and implemented by the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC).
The ECAVC, together with a panel of judges, travelled around the province hosting auditions for musical talent in the various districts.
ECAVC director Sy Ntuli said the grand finale was scheduled for July last year but they had to move it to this year due to some problems.
“We had other projects around that time and we had to postpone because some of the finalists are students and the only time we could get them was around the holiday period,” he said.
Ntuli said each district had between three to five representatives taking part in the talent search.
“It is going to be hard for the judges to choose. We were blown away by the talent that we saw during the auditions last year.”
From today, the top 30 artists selected from the district auditions will attend a number of workshops leading up to Sunday.
“This talent search is different from the others. We want to make sure the top 30 get something out of this. We have music compilers, radio DJs, seasoned musicians and music lecturers ready to share some wisdom,” said Ntuli.
Second place will receive R10000 and an opportunity to record an extended play while third place gets R5000 and records a single.
The two days leading up to the grand finale on Sunday will consist of live music performances, training, mentorship, and music business workshops that will be conducted by music industry experts.
“Artists will learn about the music industry, marketing, promotion, branding, the art of performance, voice training, song writing, how to release music independently and many other relevant topics.
“They will walk away feeling developed and empowered. We want all participants to benefit, have an amazing experience and walk away as winners,” said Ntuli.
East London singing sensation Asanda “Msaki” Mvana and 2014 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year winner, Nduduzo Makhathini, are expected to be among those giving talks at the weekend.
“Both artists are based in the Eastern Cape and have done well for themselves,” Ntuli said.
Judges on the panel include Gwiba Nkonki from Umhlobo Wenene FM, Mio Khondleka from Algoa FM, Tru FM’s DJ Minty and Tim O’Reilly from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
lThe Eastern Cape Music Talent Search takes place on Sunday from 3pm at the ECAVC. —poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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