Gospel competition unearths future talent
ALEXANDRA - A gospel music competition for school children has been launched and could usher in a new group of singers.
A gospel music competition for schoolchildren has been launched and could usher in future successful singers.
The competition which started with secondary schools will involve primary schools and other institutions for young people in the future.
Although the event was dampened by a low turnout due to inclement weather, the two schools out of five which attended – Realogile and Eastbank – made the occasion lively with the youthful and melodious voices of boys and girls. This was complemented by the deft playing of expertly tuned instruments by their counterparts.
Their melodies echoed on the streets outside Sankopano community hall, attracting inquisitive onlookers who gazed around in amazement at the talent behind the sound.
The competition was facilitated by Built for Life, an organisation based at Kwabhekilanga Secondary School. Organiser, Banele Sangcozi said although it was the first competitive event, the performers were extremely talented.
“We will have to incorporate other art forms related to music in order to be inclusive of other youths, as the objective is to keep children off the streets on weekends, doing what they know best,” he said.
Sangcozi added that they had chosen gospel, not for religious reasons, but for its effect in promoting moral values which will help to shape the children to be decent citizens from an early age.
The inaugural winners of the competition received trophies. Realogile won in the choir category, and Sifiso Hlatswayo of Eastbank High School won the solo performance.
Sangcozi said the next phase of the competition would be a two-day camp in October in Pretoria, where competitors from all five secondary schools would engage in team-building and life skills exercises. They would also have an opportunity to engage with some popular personalities and mentors in the music industry.
Details: Banele Sangcozi; 076 067 8795.
