IN THE MIX: Gospel singer Veliswa Skeyi will be one of the judges in the search for singers to join the Mdantsane Gospel Choir. Picture: FILE
THE search for gospel stars has been launched in South Africa’s second biggest township, Mdantsane, in what has been described as a “first-of- its-kind” project.
The aim of the search is to find talented gospel singers, who will be recruited to the Mdantsane Gospel Choir. Top local artists will help in deciding who makes the cut.
The project is the brainchild of choir founder, Luckie Shongwe, who was inspired to form a choir after taking note of the talent in Mdantsane. “I have been observing that gospel music is taking a new trend, a trend which the Eastern Cape is not yet involved in,” said Shongwe.
“Music is becoming more and more about live performance and you don’t find many of our local artists concentrating on that and that is what I want to do with this choir. Having been in the industry for more than 15 years, I want to provide a new concept to feed the new generation.”
Auditions will take place on Sunday at the Mdantsane Sun Hotel complex. Registration for auditions continue until 8am on Sunday morning.
Shongwe added that although the choir would be called the Mdantsane Gospel Choir, auditions were open to individuals residing outside of Mdantsane too. Those interested in auditioning for the choir should be between the ages of 15 and 35.
“The auditions are open to anyone who would be willing and able to travel to Mdantsane regularly as all our rehearsals and our office is based here,” Shongwe said.
“We are looking for people who are serious, who have plans for their lives in the music industry. You may have a good voice, but what are your plans for your voice? We need someone who is teachable and willing to learn.”
Auditions will be judged by three well-known names within the gospel music scene, such as Crown Gospel Award nominee for 2011 and 2012 Veliswa Skeyi, Joyous Celebration and Stand member Unathi Mzekeli and Crown Gospel Awards 2011 and 2012 winner, Israel Mosehla.
“The competition is not going to be easy because the Eastern Cape has a lot of talent. The contestants need to prepare themselves and pray hard. “Just pray so that God can reveal what has been placed on their hearts,” said Skeyi.
“I pray that God helps us to judge fairly and my prayer is also that the contestants be original and not a copy of someone else, this will make our job easier.” — shanaazp@dispatch.co.za
Sibusiso Hlomela
February 4, 2013
This is the best news 4 Eastern Cape people “I thank God 2 give Mr shongwe this idea”God bless you Tata”
Nokutula
March 11, 2013
Woooooooooooooow……………………….I’m so glad about this choir,I believe that it’s going places.
Mihlali Dayimami
March 11, 2013
God is great yazi……………ukuvile ukukhala kwam kuye…………mdantsane is a blessed city.
Babalwa
March 11, 2013
Gud……………Gud……………..Gud……………That is what I have been waiting for.
Lwando Victor Goci
March 19, 2013
The heavenly manna has fallen upon Mdantsane and I can see that the are many great things that Jesus is about to do…this is just the beginning.
Zoe'
April 2, 2013
Thank God Mdantsane…, Its ma prayer that this Choir Preach Christ through their Music to win all those heavy budden souls for God’s Glory !!! Yes its havest tym… bless U Man of God & yo Team !!!