MBOMBELA – He calls himself the son of this province and this time around he is all about giving back to the land of his ancestors.
Seasoned gospel musician and producer, Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane, said it would never be the case of a big fish in a small pond when it came to Mbombela.
He is back not only to search for talent in his area of expertise, but also to nurture it for the whole country to see.
“We are currently busy with auditions for a team I want to put together.
The team will be called Mpumalanga Praise, and it will be a team of 30 members, including the band.
Last week we were in the Gert Sibande area, this week we are at Middelburg Banquet Hall in Ekangala,” said Makhabane.
He emphasised that this development project was aimed at the unemployed youth and not at those in school or with jobs.
“This is something we take very seriously, we will be working during office hours sometimes, thus we don’t want people skipping classes and having to submit false sick notes because of this project.
“We want people who know that they can sing and are currently sitting at home with nothing to do, they are our target,” he added.
The search will make its way to Ehlanzeni on June 13 and 14 at KaMhlushwa Community Hall in Nkomazi.
The Nelspruit Hotel will host auditions from June 21 to 24. Auditions start at 10:00 at all the venues.
“Our panel of judges are people who have been in the industry for a very long time and recognise quality when they see it.
We have Sizwe Zako, the man who discovered and played a huge part in what Rebecca Malope is today, we have Phindile Phoko from Joyous Celebration.
“And then there’s me, I have to be part of the judges as well because I’m quite clear on what I want,” he said.
According to Makhabane, Malope and Donnie Ngwenyama would be guest judges in Mbombela.
“I want to acknowledge the support we are receiving, not only from colleagues in the industry, but from the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation as well.
When I knocked on their door with this idea, they saw it as worthwhile and are backing it.
It’s so encouraging to do such huge work knowing that you are fully supported by government as well, it would almost be impossible had they closed their doors.”
For more information about the auditions contact 013-790-8245.
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