NWU-Potch residences shine at National Acapella Competition
North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus residences dazzled at the National Atterbury Acapella Competition, securing top honors. Patria won first place, while Veritas, Bellatrix, and Madelief also earned accolades.
In a dazzling display of musical excellence, North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus residences outshone the competition at the National Atterbury Acapella Competition, held on 29 and 30 August. The event, hosted by the Atterbury Trust, featured the top serenade groups from across the country vying for the prestigious title of National Winner for 2024.
The competition, now in its second year, saw ten of South Africa’s finest serenade groups selected through rigorous video auditions earlier this year. NWU proudly had four residences representing its Potchefstroom campus: Patria, Veritas, Kasteel, and Bellatrix. They faced off against five residences from UP Tuks and one from the University of Stellenbosch.
The festivities kicked off on Thursday evening with a vibrant street festival in Pretoria, where residences performed for the Crowd Favorite Award. The energetic Kasteel Ladies’ Residence emerged victorious in this category, capturing the hearts of the audience with their captivating performance.
The excitement continued on Friday at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre, where the Final Gala evening took place. The competition was fierce, but NWU’s residences displayed exceptional talent and dedication, securing top positions in the overall rankings. The NWU residences’ high standard of performance was evident throughout the night.
Before the announcement of the top three, several awards were presented. Patria Men’s Residence clinched the award for Best Afrikaans Arrangement/Medley, while Kasteel Ladies’ Residence was celebrated once again with the Crowd Favorite Award from the street festival.
In a thrilling turn of events, the top three positions were announced with a tie, resulting in four residences being recognized. Patria, Veritas, Bellatrix from NWU, and Madelief from UP Tuks made up the elite quartet. Veritas and Madelief shared third place, while Bellatrix secured the second position. After a breathtaking final performance that earned a standing ovation, Patria emerged as the overall winner, claiming the top spot and a cash prize of R20,000.
The triumph of Patria marks a significant achievement for NWU-Potchefstroom Campus, underscoring its dominance in acapella music. Patria’s success, guided by the expert coaching of Bertus Buitendach and the choreography of Kirwin Loubser and Jacques Jacobs, with Ian Campbell providing music refinement, highlights the exceptional talent nurtured at NWU.
This outstanding performance not only celebrates Patria’s victory but also solidifies NWU-Potchefstroom Campus’s reputation as the home of the best male and female serenade groups in the country. The remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and musical prowess of NWU’s students and their coaches.
As the acapella community reflects on this year’s competition, the NWU-Potchefstroom Campus residences have truly proven that they shine bright like diamonds, setting a new standard for excellence in serenade performances across South Africa.
