The Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset hosted Grahamstown’s Got Talent on 27 May, a concert showcasing a variety of musical talents from Makana.
The Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset hosted Grahamstown’s Got Talent on 27 May, a concert showcasing a variety of musical talents from Makana.
“We may not always have water, but Grahamstown certainly has talent,” said host, Rob Benyon of the Rotary Club. The line-up included a series of performers from all niches of Grahamstown.
“In designing the programme, we have drawn on both amateur and professional performers from Grahamstown in order to showcase local talent,” said Don Hendry of the Rotary Club.
“Local amateur artists (are) donating their time, their skill to put on a show for you tonight,” said Benyon. All proceeds were donated to Hospice. “The aim of this variety concert is to raise funds for a large Rotary Global Grant in aid of a vehicle, equipment and the training programs of Hospice,” said Hendry.
“We really are very spoilt in Grahamstown. We have this fantastic facility and have some of the best private and state schools in Grahamstown with incredibly passionate music teachers and music schools,” said Benyon.
“What we aim to achieve is to simply spread a Capella music to every ear in Grahamstown,” said bass singer, Thandisile Nqowana of Signature Sound a Capella. “We try by all means to arrange signature sounds of well-known songs,” said Nqowana. Signature Sound performed a Capella versions of Leta Mbulu’s Music in the Air and Feel Good by Lira.
“I don’t know about you, but I am very envious of people who can sing like that,” said Benyon. “I remember in primary school … the choir lady asked me to sing into her ear which I did. Then she looked down on me afterwards and with a stern face she said, "have you considered the recorder?’” said Benyon jokingly.
Top 5 Idols 2015 contestant, Loyiso Kenjana performed with Francis Christie. Kenjana and Christie covered James Bay’s Let It Go for an elated audience.
It was a great event for the community. “It was a family outing. The kids are here,” said Grahamstown parent, Gustav Goliath. “I especially liked the last performance (Kenjana and Christie), he added.
The night ended with Staff-only Jazz Quartet who performed an original composition by Mike Skipper, called Grahamstown Groove.
“It’s been a real treat being backstage and side-stage watching people warm up, limber up, watching the focus on their faces, the nerves, and then watching from side stage, the energy and effort that goes into these performances. It really is great to watch, said Benyon. “The commitment they have to their task, to their skill is fantastic and really appreciated”.
President of Rotary Grahamstown Sunset, Suzette Green, thanked the audience and performers for a successful event.
