With R36 000 in prize money given away, this competition offered much more than the obvious financial relief, but a chance for performing artists to move one step closer to living their passion.
During a marathon session last Saturday, the final showdown took place at the Mossel Bay town hall, as artists gave their all in reaching for a their dream.
In the open category rapper Small (Andile Cithashe) hailing from KwaNonqaba and Herberstdale comedian Lorenzo Arendse shared the prize money. Seventeen-year-old Chris Waltlin from Point High School made his mark in the vocal category and energetic dance group from JCC-camp, Gumboot Revolution had the top score in the dance category. For the first time, an additional R5 000 was awarded to the Best of the Rest, dance duo ASAP Crew.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser had the privilege of exchanging a few words with the winners.
Small aka Andil Cithashe raps about his life, keeping it real in the hope that people will be able to relate to him. His lyrics flow from his mouth like rapid machine gun fire in isiXhosa, Afrikaans and English. He explains that since he works in the hospitality industry, switching between languages poses no problem.
"I write about my good and my bad. When I feel bad, I write a song and then I feel better. I want to inspire people through my music."
Even at his tender age, Chris Waltlin has the charm of great balladeer, but don't be fooled by his sweetness. Upon making contact with him for a telephonic interview, Chris was in the bank opening an account.
"I can't have the prize money paid into my mom's account, she might try her luck and go shopping!" he joked.
Chris explains that his love for country music comes from his early childhood having listened to it with his parents. He says that he really didn't expect to win.
"I don't know what I did right, but if it worked…it's more than okay with me!"
Lorenzo Arendse had to be particularly brave, as he was the only contestant 'putting up an act'.
"At first, I felt a little out of place, competing against the rappers in the open category. I mean, I am a comedian and some of the lyrics addressing the social ills were really sombre. I thought I wouldn't succeed at bringing a message across, but then I just gave my best and decided to take whatever comes my way – either good or bad." Lorenzo says that the townsfolk of Herbertsdale are bursting with pride on his behalf, insisting to see his first real show.
Twin brothers Dumisani and Mbongeni Lingani have been doing gumboot dancing since their primary school days.
"We love cultural dancing. When we do gumboot dancing, it almost becomes a spiritual experience for me," he explains.
He also says that regardless of what the other contestants in the dance category did, his group was determined. "We do what we do. We don't care about what other dancers do."
Apart from the R41 000 total prize money awarded, JM Productions, who filmed the various auditions, the semi- as well as the finals, is also sponsoring an attractive prize to each category winner.
This includes the recording of demo tracks and a music video for marketing purposes to be released on the company's website and eventually, YouTube.
"We want to create a snapshot of the tremendous talent we've seen in sound and picture, aiming at creating even more marketing for this event, even outside of Mossel Bay. I can comfortably say, that Mossel Bay's talent blew me away," says Johan Nysschen, from JM Productions.
View more photos here.
Gumboot Revolution set the stage ablaze with the sheer energy of their cultural dancing.
ARTICLE: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
