GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - Max Makoko, the deputy manager of the Youth Café in Great Brak River and currently part of the adjudicators' panel of Mossel Bay's Got Talent (MBGT), says his involvement in the performing arts came naturally due to the home he grew up in.
"I have been involved in the arts since I was very young, as I was born in a home full of artists."
Hailing from Motetema, Limpopo, he grew up in a house filled with music. "I listened to house, gospel, jazz, RnB, soul - the list go on. I guess what am trying to say is that I don't really have a preferred genre of music. As long as it's good music, I love it."
After completing school, he attended a creative arts academy as part of his skills development training in 2016. His success leads to him being invited back to the academy to act as part of the leadership and facilitators. Max, a passionate musician, partnered with one of his mentors in opening his own music school. A few months after its establishment, he had to leave when the opportunity of working with the youth in Great Brak River came his way.
"It is my passion to work with the youth. It is my joy to expose them to different forms of art, as well as equipping them within their genre of choice. These were my reasons for coming to the Southern Cape."
Max has been working at the Great Brak Youth Cafe, teaching young people different forms of art.
"I also run a recording studio at the youth cafe and I have also started a youth band, which I hope the greater Mossel Bay area will get to know soon."
Max was given the opportunity to perform at the Dias and Port Festival in February. "I totally enjoyed it to be part of the festival."
He believes that the youth of the greater Mossel Bay area will benefit from his experience. "I think I could be of great help to this talent show as I have been exposed to the arts a lot and obviously I have been through a few myself. I will welcome anyone who needs advice and guidance with open arms."
It is a first time for Max on the adjudicators' panel, but by the sound of it, most definitely not the last.
"I believe that there is so much untapped potential in the youth of South Africa. Some are working hard to become the best version of themselves in the arts and also in the market place, but they do not have mentors. I see myself helping amateur artists around the globe, especially in our country, teaching, equipping and training them to become the best they can be holistically."
Auditions
Today, from 16:00 hopefuls from D'Almeida, Joe Slovo, Ext 8 and Gaatjie can register for the MBGT auditions. Auditions start at 18:00.
Categories for participation are vocal, dance and open, which includes acting, instrumental music and rap. The semi-final round takes place at the Bravo Lounge on 25 May from 19:00.
The final showdown is on National Youth Day, 16 June at the Mossel Bay Town Hall from 12:00.
For more information, contact the Mossel Bay Municipality Youth Office (044 606 5224 or yvanaswegen@mosselbay.gov.za).
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