espAfrika announce top 20 espYoungLegends Finalists
espAfrika, the organiser of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has announced the shortlisted entries from their espYoungLegends competition
Launched in December 2015, the competition, is a brand new initiative from espAfrika and a highlight to the annual festival calendar. espYoungLegends search for promising independent jazz-inspired artists and bands, where the winner will perform at the CTIJF 2016 in April this year. The competition aims to boost the careers of young musicians through valuable performance experience. This forms part of espAfrika’s long term aim to support and develop local talent that can contribute to a thriving and sustainable entertainment industry.
“We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of entries we received which came in from across the country” said music impresario Bev Scott-Brown, herself a seasoned performer who has co-ordinated the search. Scott-Brown’s musical ear along with Festival Director, Billy Domingo’s innate ability to spot performance talent, have now narrowed the entries down to a shortlist of 20 eager musical groups.
Domingo, who has over 40 years’ experience in the music industry, is passionate about providing spaces and opportunities for the next generation of entertainment professionals. With the espYoung Legends initiative, he hopes to not only give a performance opportunity to an aspiring act, but also expose unfound talent to a broader South Africa. “Now it is the public’s turn to see what musical genius we have right here at home. By going to the website and listening to each of the bands on offer, we hope that we will be creating new fans for some of these guys and helping them establish themselves” said Domingo.
The final five will be determined and announced on 8 February 2016, from which a panel (including Camillo Lombard, Donveno Prins and DJ Easy), will choose the winner who will then be revealed to the public on 11 February 2016.
It’s Up To You!
Members of the public are actively encouraged to help our young artists grow with performance experience. Vote for your favourite #espYL2016 hopeful to secure their spot in the Top 5.
Go to www.espafrika.com/Top-20 to cast your vote. The band with the highest number of public votes will be assured a position in the Top 5.
Want to see the winner live in concert? Go to www.computicket.com to book your tickets.
Follow espAfrika on social media for more #espYL2016 updates
official hashtag: #espYL2016
