SHOCK AND JUBILATION AT FINAL 21
By Lara de Matos
Tonight
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N ov 6 2009
South Africa
‘Any age, any act." It’s the maxim that has underpinned the local
talent series from the start, and one which the show has undoubtedly
stuck to throughout.
>From transvestite Tina Turners, seven-year-old Brenda Fassie
impersonators and white-boy Rastas who rock the didgeridoo, to
dog trainers, jugglers and comedy acts, the first SA’s Got Talent
has truly provided a platform for some of our country’s best (and
downright bizarre) acts.
After six week of auditions, during which the three judges cast
their scrutinising gaze over thousands of South African hopefuls,
the numbers have now been whittled down to the Top 21.
And, much as we at Tonight were, you may just be surprised – or even
shocked – at some of the selections.
The remaining contenders will have an opportunity to revisit their
respective talents when the show shifts into "live gear" next week,
as they strive to prove to the public and the adjudicators why they’re
deserving of the title.
Ultimately, however, only one act will walk away with the R250 000
and our money (pardon the poor pun) is on this sizzling sextet:
TONIGHT’s TOP SIX SIZZLERS
Kalon Badenhorst
There are accomplished contemporary dancers in this world, just as
there are gifted hip hoppers. But seldom does one see a meshing of
the two forms.
Especially when executed so superbly. With his elastic-like limbs
and emotive movements, it’s astounding to consider Kalon, 12, only
started his official training two years ago.
Louis & Willem van der Merwe
As with many acts throughout the show Louis, 27, and older bro’
Willem’s, 33, appearance belied their latent talents: that such
poignant operatic sounds could emerge from the mouths of these
seemingly run-of-the-mill Mother City siblings left even the judges
with jaws hanging in wonder.
And yes, that their main motivation for entering was to help Louis
regain his ex-girlfriend’s affections, makes you want them to win.
Hey, who among us isn’t a sucker for a good love story?
George Avakian
He may not have made quite the impression he’d hoped for in the Idols
auditions (he only placed among the Top 75), but this 19-year-old
Joburger of Armenian descent has not allowed that minor set-back to
deter him from his beat-boxing dreams.
And the boy certainly dreams big. George’s growing reputation as one of
the country’s foremost entertainers is on the up and up, following a
"career in its infancy" coup, which saw him open for Wyclef Jean in
December last year.
Cameron Lombard and Natasha Jacobs
Between Cameron’s comical facial expressions and Natasha’s
hips-that-don’t-lie, this dynamic ballroom dancing duo from Retreat
and Mitchells Plain are definitely ones to watch.
And to think, they’re only eight years old!
Cleo Filander
A darling of the judges from the moment she first stepped on stage and
stunned them with her angelic voice, many are already touting Cleo,
8, as the likely winner of the competition.
Interestingly enough, however, it’s her ballet achievements rather
than her singing skills that this youngster from Vereeniging is most
proud of.
Darren Rajbal
He may claim that his hearing disability has left him with few friends,
but as his mom reveals, the ladies still love this 19-year-old
Durban boy.
His first attempt at hip hop came on the back-end of a mime act, which
he subsequently choreographed into a dance routine in his early teens.
As Darren has already proven, while he may not be able to actually
hear the music, the lad surely knows how to move to it!
THE REMAINING TOP 21
Adino Trapani, 12, of Johannesburg, with Ventriloquism for Dummies;
Cadence, 17 to 20, all-female hip hop group hailing from Johannesburg;
Daniel Petersen, 40, and Daniel Petersen III, 7, Cape Town based
father-son keyboard and drum duo;
Faith Ndukwana, 40, Mother City singer;
Gregory Mabusela, 21, keke horn player, hailing from Soweto;
Ingrid Rosendahl, 48, and Yvonne Burger from Jozi, with Musical
Freestyle Dogs;
Julian Hepburn, 14, a Pretoria-based singer;
Jody Kleinhans, 28, physical comedian, from Cape Town;
Louis Cason, 22, a Bloemfontein juggler;
Louwtjie Rothman, 18, of Cape Town, with Guitar Medley;
Roses, 14 to 17, a Joburg-based hip hop crew;
Show Stopaz, 17 to 24, a Johannesburg dance troupe;
Siphiwe Boyce, 19, and Nkumbuzo Nkonyana, 20, Cape Town magicians
with Soccer Mania;
Tshwaraganang Youth Group, 11 to 24, traditional dancers from the
North West;
Umbumbano, 28 to 38, Margate-based choir group.
FINAL COUNTDOWN
The final four episodes will work as follows:
SA’s Got Talent will go live on SABC2 from Monday.
On Monday through to Wednesday, seven acts will perform each night.
There will then be a one-hour interval.
At 9.30pm, the programme returns for the results show, during which
two acts will be chosen – one by the judges and one by the viewers –
every evening, to perform in the finale on Thursday.
The ultimate (and inaugural) winner of SA’s Got Talent will then be
elected by public vote alone – the outcome of which will be announced
during the concluding Thursday night results broadcast.
Viewers can vote for their favourite candidate all of next week
(when prompted to do so by the presenters, that is) either via SMS,
or by calling the IVR line.
SMSes should be prefaced by the word "talent", followed by the number
of your preferred act each evening, and sent to 34768.
Alternatively, you can call the IVR line at 083 913 4768 and follow
the voice prompts.
SA’s Got Talent, Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm. Results show at 9.30pm.
WIN WIN WIN
PREDICT the Winner and stand a chance to win big!
Four lucky readers stand to win R5 000 each, simply by predicting
the victor of the inaugural SA’s Got Talent competition.
Simply *SMS the keyword SABC2 followed by the name of the person you
think is going to win to 33120.
Predict the Winner competition winners will be announced on Friday,
November 13, in The Star, Cape Argus, Pretoria News and Isolezwe
newspapers.
SMSes will be charged at R2 each. Competition closes on Thursday,
November 12, at 7.30pm
Terms and conditions apply.