‘Real’ Jamie to judge SA’s talent

Award-winning actor Jamie Bartlett is the latest addition to join the panel of judges for SA’s Got Talent.

Bartlett joins internationally- acclaimed DJ Fresh and Shado Twala, as they unearth talent on the show. Also joining the show is comedian Tol Ass Mo as the host.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Bartlett said the public would get the opportunity to see the real Jamie, and not a character.

“I remember calling my 80-year-old father about the show and he said ‘you are ugly enough to show SA your real face’.

“People will see the real me and not my character,” he said.

While those who auditioned for the show might have been intimidated by the Rhythm City actor, he said he knew exactly what they were going through.

“I’ve worked with big names before and I know how it feels for the guys who audition.

“For some it’s probably the biggest stage they’ve been on and it’s a make-or-break situation.

“My intention is not to break people but sometimes you have to say ‘no, thank you’,” he said.

Bartlett said he was a hard judge to impress. “I don’t mess around with people. I always ask myself is this good enough?

“I say no when I have to,” he said.

Bartlett said the public was in for a surprise this season.

“There’s a whole lot of things in store. Some of the stuff these people do is hilarious. Sometimes I’d stop myself and wonder what are these people smoking, it’s crazy,” he said, adding that he had enjoyed every minute of the show so far.

“I love the arts. It has been nothing but pure joy.”

From unknown world champions to collapsing people on stage, Bartlett said the show had it all.

Marlon Davids, of e.tv, said they were excited about the upcoming contestants on the new season of SA’s Got Talent.

“We saw so many different types of talent at the theatre auditions.

“It’s very tough at the moment to pinpoint a possible winner as this year is a strong competition between all the contestants.

“We wish them all the best of luck and look forward to welcoming Mzansi’s next big star to the e.tv family,” he said.

Davids said the variety of talent in the competition was the highlight of this season.

Talent seen so far included lip sync divas, singers, dancers, ventriloquists, comedians, contortionists, fire dancers and competitive eaters.

“The show is going to be outrageous,” Bartlett said.

Catch season seven of SA’s Got Talent from September 4 on e.tv at 6.05pm. —poliswap@dispatch.co.za