RUSTENBURG HOSTS ‘THE ULTIMATE TALENT SEARCH’

Rustenburg – On Saturday 2 March 2024, the Rustenburg Civic Centre was abuzz with musical talent as the Mmabana Arts Culture & Sports Foundation (ACSF) hosted a pivotal leg of ‘The Ultimate Talent Search for Solo Vocalists’. This unique initiative, part of a broader auditions tour across the North West province, aims to discover and nurture solo vocal talents aged between 18 to 35 years.

The competition kicked off its auditions on 1 March at the Vryburg Civic Centre, before the Rustenburg gig. The talent search will continue, making stops at the Klerksdorp Museum on 8 March, followed by a session at the Mmabana Mahikeng Theatre on 10 March.

Among the contestants at the Rustenburg auditions was Keletso Leso, known on stage as Kelsow, who charmed the audience and judges with her self-accompanied guitar performance. Kelsow, who chose to perform “Me and You” by Terms, shared her enthusiasm: “I’m excited and feeling very good about performing. I’m eager to present my singing to the audience and hear their feedback. I’m confident that this experience will contribute to my growth as an artist.”

Another participant, Ofentse Erenst, who goes by the stage name Feezzy Masweet, has been honing his craft for 12 years. “It feels wonderful to be here. I’m mesmerised by the experience. I’ve prepared an original composition for the competition. I am a composer,” he expressed.

The judging panel, comprising Thasman-Thabiso Tsotetsi, KB Motsilanyane, and Khuli Chana, brought their expertise to the fore, critically evaluating the performances to identify the next big solo vocal talent.
Neo Jobeta, the director of the Mmabana Arts Culture & Sports Foundation, underscored the importance of the competition: “This is a significant opportunity for aspiring musicians to showcase their talents. We’re committed to offering a platform that supports their artistic journey.”

‘The Ultimate Talent Search for Solo Vocalists’ stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young vocalists in the North West province, promising exposure, development, and the chance to shine in the limelight.

Main Photo: Keletso Leso, a.k.a. Kelsow, entranced the audience with her guitar performance and the song “Me and You” by Terms.