Diamond Fields Advertiser

AKA brings hope to local artists

BENIDA PHILLIPS

THE Semi-finalists who will be competing in the Northern Cape Talent Expo have vowed to deliver nothing but their A-game during the contest.

Thirty youngsters from across the Province have been selected from 150 contenders after the founders of the talent expo went from “dorpie to dorpie” to select the best vocalists.

The founders of the Northern Cape Talent Expo, Tsepo Mtwana and Phemelo Nkosi, said they started the project in order to give youth in the music industry much-needed opportunities and to develop not only their talent but also to help them make a successful career in the industry.

Five finalists will go head-tohead in a competition where the winner will get the opportunity to record a song with award-winning South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, better known as AKA.

Some of the semi-finalists who attended the launch of the expo in Kimberley on Wednesday night vowed to make it challenging for their opponents.

The members of hip-hop duo Iconikidz, Nhlanhla Tom and Gosego Mashishi, said their exposure to talent competitions gave them the confidence to perform on stage and will be beneficial during the expo.

“We wrote the song we entered in the expo ourselves. It is an unreleased song called ‘Nothing

New’. We feel like we can win this competition as we have previously entered a competition and won a free music video. We recorded a music video and that gave us exposure. We have been working hard to get our brand and music to the public. This expo is a good platform to take our career to the next level. Plus, any artist would fight for the opportunity to perform alongside AKA,” they said with a smile.

Twenty-one-year-old Lesego Lecwidi, who is a female hip-hop artist, said she will fight tooth and nail during the competition.

“This is a very rare opportunity for artists in the Northern Cape, in fact, it is rare for artists in the country. Artists have to knock on many doors and have to wait many years in order to be recognised to perform alongside the big stars in the industry. Music artists in the Province need to grab this opportunity. If you have missed the chance to enter this year, ensure you do so next year.

“I have strived and searched for such an opportunity, not only to make a name for myself but also to be able to collaborate with the best in the industry. I am excited to be part of this competition and am looking forward to the night when I will be crowned the winner,” Lecwidi chuckled.

Kimberley vocalist Alexis-rae Shushu warned her opponents that she will be a tough competitor.

“I am definitely going to win this competition. I intend on giving it my all. This will be a huge step in my career and will open up the world to me. I have never won any competitions, but have been preparing for an opportunity like this. I have done some live performances and that has equipped me to strengthen my vocal abilities. I am ready for this opportunity. I wish everyone else in this competition all the luck. I know we all have the potential to win, but that position is definitely mine,” Shushu said.

The competition will take place on December 8, 9, and 10, while the finale will take place on December 29 at the Northern Cape Theatre.

AKA said he decided to get involved with the talent expo as he wants to make a difference in the industry.

“I have been in this industry for many years and have established a name for myself. As my career and personal life have evolved over the years, I have seen the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. One of the ways I realised I could make a difference was in the development of the young artist. The Northern Cape has so many talented youngsters and we need to give them a platform where they can showcase their talent,” said AKA.

“The Province is losing so many talented people, who are absorbed by other provinces as they were never afforded the opportunities to develop their skills and talents. This is why I decided to join forces with the founders on this project as this is a legacy project. If I can use my voice and status to assist and uplift someone, then I will gladly do so.”

NEWS

en-za

2022-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

http://diamondfieldsadvertiser.pressreader.com/article/281509345208167

African News Agency