An artist competition was held at the Makana City Hall on 16 August, and the winners of the R10 000 cash prize were Via Kasi Movers, a pantsula group that dominated the stage and deserved the win. This was the day after a music development workshop took place in the same venue for the benefit of Grahamstown’s musicians.
The artist competition was open to all performing artists, who came in their numbers and different sounds, to claim the cash prizes. The celebrity judges were Elvis Mali, Radio Mcuba and Bulelani Koyo from uMhlobo Wenene FM. Another special guest was Mafa Bavuma, who witnessed the amazing talent that was on offer. Second and third prize winners went on to win R5 000, and R3 000 respectively.
The different mediums of music were nothing short of entertaining, with a mix of fresh spoken word poetry from a few contestants. Individual and group performances kept the hall lit, despite the gloomy weather that may have deterred a few entrants; however all those in attendance made the most of the five minutes they had to perform.
Ivy Madyo of Tell Your Friends Entertainment organised the event in the hopes of giving back to the community.
“We get so much support from the locals when we have events and we felt the need to actively support our own, as well as develop the youth,” said Madyo. He is grateful for the assistance from everyone who was involved, and hopes that such platforms are a growing trend, because Grahamstown’s artists have a lot to give.
