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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEOS - What should have been a super exciting Tuesday with loads of adrenaline and maybe even a tad of stage fright for youths keen on the performing arts, this year Youth Day passed almost unnoticed.
Due to Covid-19, the Mossel Bay Municipality's talent search, Mossel Bay's Got Talent, now in its 11th year, could not take place on 16 June.
The talent search had just kicked off in March, when President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the national state of disaster. But the organisers did not sit and wait for better days. They offered hopefuls the chance to compete, although this meant going virtual. Thus far nine digital entries have been received and six were selected for the semi-finals. The entries were received from Sonwabile Gana, Guggs Novy, Revin Theron, Akhona Matiwane, Nikita Bodill and family members, Caydon, Lee An and Majohandie Heunis.
"It is evident that young people from Mossel Bay are innovative and creative. The virtual auditions were truly stunning," says one of the organisers, Yolande van Aswegen of the Mossel Bay Municipality's youth office.
Van Aswegen says the virtual auditions will close when the national lock down is lifted. "Then, one huge audition will be held for those who are not able to send in a video." She invited anyone between the ages of 14 and 35 to audition. Video auditions must be no longer than 90 seconds. "Remember to include your name, surname, contact number and age. Audition videos can be sent via WhatsApp to 082 296 6199.
Watch 2 supplied audition videos below from Lee-Ann Muller (singing) and Marjohandie Heunies (dance):
Opportunity in disguise
Llulye Arendse, a first time member of the adjudicators panel is saddened that he is missing out on the experience. He believes that the entrants are not used to the virtual platform, because there is no audience.
"Young artists should not see this time as a 'hold up' of their dreams, but as a chance to practice their skills and to truly discover the depth of their talent. This is in fact the ideal opportunity to expand their familiarity on virtual platforms. It is an opportunity in disguise for young artists to up-skill."
Cabaret artist and lobbyist for the arts in the Southern Cape, Petronel Baard, the acting chair person of Mossel Creative Culture Association (MOCCA), said young artists should be encouraged amid the current circumstances.
"I have enjoyed the recorded auditions, but data and other problems like inexperience when it comes to filming yourself can be a hindrance." She encouraged budding artists, in the interim, to share videos on their social media pages where their talent can be showcased. "As artists, we should continue the conversation. Whatever we can do to help, we will do. Let us keep the morale up."
Website for artists
Since the lockdown, MOCCA hosted concerts streamed live from their Facebook page and registered a free website for artists and cultural groups in the area.
"If you register, you get your own profile linked to your pages or profiles to get the word out there. No catch. The more the merrier. Visit www.moccamokka.co.za to learn more," Baard said.
Angeline Mynhardt, the longest serving member on the adjudicators panel, said she misses meeting people with raw talent most. "I miss watching the contestants grow in a matter of weeks. I truly miss motivating and encouraging them and pushing them to become better performers and to have goals in life."
She also laments not being able to choreograph the production featuring all the semi-finalists hosted at the gala event on 16 June to celebrate the youth of South Africa, in particular, Mossel Bay.
"But we are not sitting back and letting it fade away. There is a saying 'every end has a new beginning' and we are experiencing a new way of doing things. Our virtual competition is really challenging our contestants and judges and a challenge is always good," said Mynhardt.
In happier days. Judges, finalists and municipal officials at last year's 10 year anniversary of Mossel Bay's Got Talent. Due to Covid-19 the final, hosted annually on 16 June did not take place this year.
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