Auditions for talented performing artists held in the Norman Doubell Hall in Heidedal attracted scores of highly potential candidates.
Artists came from as far as Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo to impress a panel of judges tasked with selecting the cream of the crop for a live performance at this year’s Heidedal Music Expo.
Auditions were held on 10 and 11 February.
Young people from the ages of six to 36 years showcased their talent, hoping to make it into the final group to be further mentored during a workshop ahead of the eagerly-awaited event planned for 15 March in Heidedal.
Candidates who auditioned included bands, instrumentalists, rappers, musical poets and DJs as well as vocalists performing a solo act.
Dr Nathan Bagarette, one of the organisers, said those selected during the two-day audition period will have critical knowledge imparted onto them at the planned workshops to sharpen their performance.
He said the workshop will be educational, while exposing young people to the entertainment industry.
According to Bagarette, the music expo will be critical in addressing specific aspects in entertainment, the prevention of drug abuse amongst the youth, the provision opportunities to nurture their talent and realising their dream.
“Promising young artists will have the opportunity to develop their talent and take their talent to another level. This platform provides a fantastic opportunity for raw talent to be developed,” said Bagarette, adding the music was the vehicle necessary to positively transform the society and spreading message.
“The importance to champion the course of how destructive gender-based violence (GBV) and drug abuse are our society,” said the former chief executive officer of Pacofs.
“We are grateful for the support,” Bagarette said. “We had successful auditions the past two days, which was made possible by partners and sponsors, the Free State department of sport, arts, culture and reaction, including the panel of judges who ensured selection of artists. If it was not for them, people would not have come in numbers.
“The workshop will be focusing on horning the participant’s skills from 12 to 14 March, ending with a big show on 15 March. We are calling on everyone to come and witness the local talent.”
