The far flung Northern Cape, was the host for this epic, pilot project titled Transnet Rising Starz, were over thousands hopefuls brought out their best foot forward in the form of composing own songs or ‘lifting’ titles from their superstars.
Now the curtain comes down next weekend-September 5, 2015 for the finals at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, were over 10 hopefuls will battle it out.
This is a community uplifting initiative that strives to present the youth with an opportunity to utilise their natural gift of singing to embark on a journey of economic freedom. It is about mining; polishing and promoting music jewels that lie buried in rough terrain, out of sight and lights of the major urban areas.
Here are the finalists:
De Aar’s Lusanda Danster will sing Ungenzela Konk’okuhle by Brenda Mntambo; Calvinia’s Selvin Theys chose You Had Your Hand on Me a Selaelo Selota composition originally performed by Judith Sephuma while Brain Cloete from Springbok opted to present his own original composition titled Oukievan Namaqualand.
Crystal Visagie, also from Springbok, is to give her own touch to Nianell’s How Beautiful Love Can Be.
Upington’s Juliana Kawsar has confidence in her own composition Nadine’s Kaapse Draai while her home-girl Veronica Charles hopes to bring back memories of the euphoria from the early days of South African democracy with My African Dream made popular by Vicky Sampson.
Kuruman’s Zanele Plaatjies will follow on the giant musical footsteps of Miriam Makeba and Letta Mbulu through her performance of a Caiphus Semenya sweet ballad titled A Promise and her homeboy Kgololo is to sing his own composition titled uThando.
Kimberlites Lucille Slade will perform her own song titled Standing Ovation, Neo Mongale is to do I’m An Unpredictable by Donald and Clementia Mathamela will perform Nathi’s Nomvula.
They’ll share the stage with celebrated guitarist Selaelo Selota, diva Bianca Le Grange and the Diamond City Chorus choir.
Following this year’s great turn out, next’s installment should be more exciting. It is expected the likes of well respected music figure Proverb, who originates from NC, will also throw their weight behind the project.
Tickets for the Transnet Rising Starz finale are R120 at Computicket and Shoprite.
