THE 4th annual Gospel Icon Discovery Competition will be at the Ohlange Sports Ground in Inanda near Durban between 8.30am and 3.30pm on Sunday 13 November.
This eThekwini Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit gospel music talent search programme is aimed at cultivating upcoming artists in the city, and helps them launch their musical careers.
Following extensive auditions, those artists who have made it past the preliminary rounds are given the opportunity to showcase their skills at the main event mentioned in November, where the winners are announced.
There are three categories: the ‘Odwinkidwinki’ category caters for children under 12 years, the second category including soloists and duets from 13 years and older and the third category is for groups of all ages. In each category, the winner is awarded a cash prize of R15 000 and a full recording contract. The second and third prize winners in each category get R10 000 and R5 000 respectively, as well as a chance for a demo.
The talent scouting programme initiative, which is the brainchild of the Head of Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit, Mr Thembinkosi Ngcobo, involves prominent local artists who assist developing upcoming artists. Mentored by the event’s judges – Thina Zungu, DJ Happy Gal, Gah Ndlela, Malusi Mbokazi and Thokozani Ndlovu – the winners become ambassadors for the development programme through being invited to perform for professional fees on influential platforms such as high profile-municipal and government functions, among others events.
The 2016 Gospel Icon Discovery competition forms part of the Essence Festival: Durban, which culminates with a big-stage concert at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the evening of 13 November, where the day’s Gospel Discovery Icon competition winners will get to share the stage with superstars such as Ne-Yo, Wiz Kid, Black Coffee, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary and Joyous Celebration.
Admission to the Gospel Icon Discovery Competition in Inanda is free and all are welcome to attend and show their support for the competitors.
