After surviving some scathing auditions and weeks of rehearsals 15 young performers will battle it out for the title of Grahamstown’s most talented kid – and the chance to win a record deal.
After surviving some scathing auditions and weeks of rehearsals 15 young performers will battle it out for the title of Grahamstown’s most talented kid – and the chance to win a record deal.
Next Friday the finalists, selected from about 200 hopefuls between the ages of 7 and 25, will compete in the last round of Grahamstown Kids Got Talent.
This is the third annual competition of its kind, but this year’s organiser Clint Haywood promises it’ll be a bigger and better talent extravaganza than ever before.
Haywood, 17, is a matric pupil at Mary Waters Secondary School and with the help of his ward councillor Lena May he secured the Albany Road Recreation Hall as the competition venue.
Not only did they have more entrants than ever before but the whole process has been filmed this year, which Haywood hopes will set the internet abuzz.
A dancer and avid supporter of the arts, Haywood said organising this talent show has been a dream of his ever since he can remember.
He also said the event provides an important platform for Grahamstown youth to showcase and develop their talents.
As a poor young person in Grahamstown, he feels the competition can do kids like him a world of good.
"Being part of the poor youth, I wanted to help others like me," he told Grocott’s Mail. "They just need some support – now they also have a chance to show their talents."
Not only this, but all the proceeds of the show will go towards charity initiatives in and around Grahamstown like soup kitchens and school projects, he said.
Auditions began in the first week of May and a panel of four young judges, all talented singers and dancers in their own right, gave the nod – or thumbs down – to a variety of hopefuls.
Everyone from soulful R&B singers to cutting-edge breakbeat dancers and rappers had a chance to show Grahamstown what they’re made of.
A handful made it to the second round and then the final 15 were chosen from the crop who made it past the Battle Round.
Haywood said these elite young performers are frantically rehearsing with the help of the judges, and the final extravaganza on Friday 7 June is not to be missed.
Prizes up for grabs include clothing vouchers, and the ultimate winner will also get a record deal with local producer Darie Yan.
There are even rumours that a certain Miss Makana, Sicelokazi Pango, will be in the audience.
Doors open at 6.30pm for 7pm and tickets can be bought for R10 at the door. To book a VIP ticket (R20) call Clint Haywood on 072 993 4511 – to ensure a premium seat.
