The World Jam Music Festival, Durban city’s biggest music festival yet, is getting into gear as it anticipates a jam-packed weekend at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on December 6 and 7.
As part of the event, the organisers incorporated their CSI responsibilities and commitment to the development of arts and culture into their various programmes, which includes the World Jam Music Festival Talent Search.
Newcastle’s own Banele Mtambo, Charity Matshepo, Mbalenhe Majola and Thulani Mbhele were the four talented musicians chosen in Newcastle.
Durban’s aspirant young performers were invited to participate in a series of staged events where a prestigious panel of judges identified emerging artists in each region.
Contestants had to be at least 18 years old and be able to participate in any music genre with the exception of Gospel Music and Maskandi. No professional musicians or performers were permitted to enter, which meant no artist or band signed to a record company, label or accredited management company.
The talent search got under way on September 13 in Richards Bay. The search continued in Ulundi, Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg and Durban, while Port Shepstone, the last town to be visited, closed the search on September 26.
Three winners from each region or town were selected to compete in the grand finale, which will will take place in Durban during the second week of November at a venue still to be announced.
The overall winner will receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform at the inaugural World Jam Music Festival that includes an appearance fee of R10 000.
Watch this space for more information on the festival.