Great talent shown during grand finale

It was a nail-biting encounter for performers during the Mpumalanga Got Talent grand finale on Saturday. Great talent was displayed at Mbombela Civic Centre during the fourth instalment of this annual competition.

There were four categories, namely dance, music, drama and visual arts. According to Bongi Shiba, the coordinator of Mpumalanga Got Talent, they saw many talented young people from across the province.

She, however, noted that due to Covid-19, the number of participants and sponsors was limited. “Our performances included traditional dance, indigenous music, drama, visual arts, contemporary dance and more.

This year, we received close to 200 entries, but due to the pandemic we could only accept 27 acts comprising 98 artists. Mpumalanga Got Talent is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to providing opportunities for young performing artists, by scouting and developing unremitting talent within the province,” Shiba said.

“The 2020 finalists all received food, red face masks for all performing arts, gold medals and certificates for making it to the top 27. The top-three winners received trophies and they will all enjoy their share of cash and prizes worth R100 000.”

Shiba’s message to the winners was that education is the only key to success. “Young people must go to school and and invest their spare time in their hobbies as that will help them decide what they want to do in life. Have faith and trust the Creator.  

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“To those who did not make it – everything happens for a reason. Your time is coming, do not give up on your dreams.”

Shiba said the event would not have been possible without the sponsors and those who dedicated their time to organising it.  

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“We would like to thank the department of sports, Mercure Hotel Nelspruit and Jeppe College.” Registration for the next competition will open in January 2021. Visit www.mpgt.co.za for more information.

The winners are as follows

Music:

1. Decent Worshippers (Daantjie)

2. Vusi Thulane Mazibuko (KaBokweni)

3. Senzo Jiyana (Middelburg).

Dance:

1. Thubelihle Youth Club (eMalahleni)

2. Amatsheketshe Dance Group (eMalahleni)

3. Amakhathaza Pantsula Dance Group (eMalahleni).

Drama:

1. Mzwandile Khumalo (Egutshwa)

2. Ratanang Mohlape (Nhlazatshe)

3. Soul Healers (eMalahleni).

Visual arts:

1. Sikhumbuzo Nkosi (Edwaleni)

2. Buhlebuyeza Group (Nkomazi)

4. Nontando Lubisi (Driekoppies).