NC Talent Expo winner to collaborate with rapper AKA

ONE VOCALIST in the Northern Cape stands the chance to be crowned the winner at the Northern Cape Talent Expo as well as a “priceless” opportunity to collaborate with award-winning South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, known professionally as AKA.

This follows after two Kimberley youngsters, Phemelo Nkosi and Tsepo Mtwana, started the Northern Cape Talent Expo and criss-crossed the Province to uncover the best musical talent that it has to offer.

Nkosi said they initially wanted to start a children’s show.

“Our actual plan was to start a children’s show. The show would showcase the different talents of young children, whether it was dance, singing or their skills in playing musical instruments. Tsepo has a musical background and is involved in the music industry. We brainstormed and finally concluded that we will go from town to town and try to uncover the hidden musical talents in those towns,” said Nkosi.

Mtwana said they did not want to only uncover the hidden talent in the Diamond City, but the entire Province.

“At that stage we had no money in our bank accounts. All we were armed with was this dream and the vision for this project. We knocked on several doors in search of sponsorship. We were fortunate to receive temporary sponsored vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. We had to fit the bill for the petrol. The Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) in the Province also sponsored us and we were able to pay some of our bills, like accommodation as we travelled across the Province.

“This Province is vast and we spent a lot of time on the road. We kicked off our search in De Aar, then headed to Springbok, Upington, Kuruman and ended in Kimberley. We went to all five districts in the Province and were able to find between three to five finalists from each district. We now have 30 semi-finalists,” said Mtwana.

Mtwana and Nkosi agreed that their focus was not merely on hosting a competition and then leaving the overall winner or finalists without any future prospects.

“This competition is aimed at the development of the artist and the arts industry. The overall winner will have a lifetime opportunity to collaborate with AKA. That means that the winner would have to be the best as they will be collaborating with the best. We cannot select mediocre artists who will be standing next to AKA.

“Our aim is to empower, develop and build the brand of the artists. We do not want to just give the winner a cash prize and then leave them to continue on their own. This Province has immensely talented people who can make it internationally. We need to focus on the development of talents as a career,” they said.

AKA said he decided to join forces with the talent search duo as the development of artists is a cause he also supports.

“This project will open up the corridor to the community and the talent in this Province,” said AKA. “The Northern Cape is insanely underprivileged. After my management informed me about this project, I immediately was sold as I am passionate about the development of youth. I have spent lots of time in Kimberley, as my mother was born here.

“I did not see it as a challenge or problem to lend my voice and time to this project. The youth in this Province have many skills, but do not have an outlet where they can use those skills. Once developed, the skills and talents of the youth can be utilised as an income and careers. However, if a skill or talent is not developed, it leaves the artists frustrated. This project is something positive for the people of the Province and its artists.”

AKA said he expects the top-30 to give their top performances.

“I do not mind assisting the youth. However, I do not put my energy on anything that is ‘whack’. The winner needs to be absolutely ‘dope’ in order to collaborate with me. We will assist the winner in the business-side of the industry and give the winner guidance. We are not there to teach you how to sing.

“This will also not be a once-off partnership between myself and the founders, but a legacy project for the Province. I will be part of the future initiatives of this project.

“As artists we need to assist in the upliftment of our communities. It is nice to be seen on screen and have many people follow your career, but one also needs to keep the door open for those who want to enter the room,” said AKA.

The project will be launched on Wednesday, November 30 and the finals of the competition will take place on December 29 at the Northern Cape Theatre.