The Eswatini Praise talent search has moved into its next stage, with organisers now reviewing 279 audition entries as they begin selecting the first Top 100 contestants.
The competition, led by gospel musician and producer Sipho‘Big Fish’ Makhabane, closed its audition period on September 20.
According to Makhabane, judges have already started going through the submitted videos, with the first group of successful contestants expected to be contacted once the selection process is complete.
The number of entries has given the judges a sizeable pool of singers to consider, while also highlighting the interest in the talent search.
Makhabane said the quality and volume of the submissions had been encouraging, describing the response as both impressive and overwhelming.
He added that contestants who did not follow the audition guidelines were given less priority during the selection process.
The first stage will reduce the 279 entries to a Top 100. Those who make the cut will then move on to live auditions before the judges. The competition will subsequently be reduced to between 30 and 40 contestants before the final Top 20 is selected.
The judging panel includes Nothando Dlamini, OncemoreSix, Dr Rebecca Malope and Takie Ndou. Their role will include assessing the singers as the competition moves from digital auditions to live performances.
For Makhabane, however, the search is not only about the contestants who managed to submit their videos before the deadline. The organisers are also looking beyond the initial 279 entries for singers who may not have had access to smartphones, social media or information about the competition.
This will be addressed through the planned ‘Who Did We Miss’ initiative, which will allow members of the public to identify talented singers who deserve an opportunity to audition.
Particular attention will be given to people in rural communities who may have been missed by the online campaign.
The organisers have maintained that late submissions to the initial audition process will not be accepted. Makhabane said several aspiring contestants contacted the team after the September 20 deadline, but allowing late entries would have been unfair to those who submitted within the stipulated period.
The competition is also intended to provide contestants with exposure beyond the audition itself. Eswatini Praise is being developed as a television programme, while workshops are expected to form part of the process as contestants receive preparation for professional performances.
Makhabane also acknowledged the support of sponsors, including the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, noting that access to a recording studio in Manzini has helped create opportunities for young artists.
As the judges work through the 279 audition videos, attention now turns to the names that will make up the Top 100.
