A Legacy in the making for a capella stars…

WHENwe first heard that SABC1 were going to launch an a capella singing competition, it was clear that certain parts of the country would have an advantage over others. We got hold of the presenter, Noluthando Meje, who at the time felt the talent was spread far and wide across the nation, but as the weeks passed, it became obvious that the KZN outfits had a stronger chance of winning.

Now that we know of the Durban-based Isicathamiya group, The Legacy, it is pretty clear that KZN had it all figured out from day one. How could they not when the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo hails from that province too? All The Sing Off SA did was scratch the surface of the talent in the area. There has to be a spin-off show that concentrates only on the talent in Durban and the surrounding areas, then we will see just how talented people from that area are.

SABC1’s other show on choirs, Imizwilili, has also proved this point so it is only right that The Legacy walked off the stage with a whopping R250 000 and a recording contract.

“It has been 10 long weeks of sweet home-brewed melodies, with 10 amazing a capella groups,” said Meje.

Although the show had judges who included Zakes Bantwini, Zolani Mahola and HHP, in the end it was up to the viewer to choose the winner.

“The Sing Off SA’s first season was a complete success. It was exciting to see the level of creativity and broad skills shown by the groups. I’m excited to see the second season and who the first 10 contestants have inspired. The talent was incredible and world-class. It took the art of a capella that we are all so familiar with from being just niche to well on its way to mainstream,” said HHP, who grew up in a choir thanks to his choirmistress mother.

His comrades on the panel agree that The Sing Off SA was an amazing show to work on given that they had to witness raw talent which reminded them of where they had started.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to have been a part of the first season. I found the production honest and fair and the talent extraordinary. I think any one of the final three groups could have taken first place and look forward to seeing all of the contestants taking their rightful place in the South African music scene. Well done to The Legacy for securing first place and I wish them a bright and long future in the music business,” Mahola said.

Zakes Bantwini, who also hails from KZN, was thrilled to be a judge on the first season and also, informally, a talent scout.

“I am overwhelmed with the response we have received with The Sing Off – it’s really showcased South African talent, especially the a capella genre. This genre has wide appeal and needs to be supported,” he said.

The show’s producer, Bruce Townsend, spoke about the process of selection.

“In terms of the aim of the talent search, first and foremost, we wanted to showcase South Africa’s finest a capella talent on our Sing Off stage.

“We selected 10 groups from all over South Africa, each with their unique vocal style. The level of competition was fierce from the get-go, which really underlined the quality of the groups our talent search had unearthed. In the end, The Legacy, Legato and Solid booked themselves a spot in the final. Our three finalists did not disappoint and delivered performances of the highest standard. Although The Legacy walked away with top honours, there is no doubt that all three groups will go on to fulfil their ambition of cementing a career in the entertainment industry,” he said.