Shine with all that jazz
AUDITIONS: VIE TO BECOME THE NEW WINNER OF OPEN MIC AT GRANDWEST
Now in its 10th year, singing competition opens door for hopefuls.
GrandWest are holding auditions for aspiring jazz singers for the famous Open Mic Jazz (OMJ) singing competition. Auditions take place every Wednesday evening.
The competition, now in its 10th year, provides a platform for up-and-coming “nonprofessional singers” to show off their talent to the public.
There are prizes worth more than R200 000 up for grabs, with the winner walking off with R40 000 in cash and lots of other prizes.
The competition is open to all hopefuls who do not currently make a living from singing.
To enter, simply go onto the GrandWest website and choose a song you’d like to sing from repertoire sheet.
Then arrive at an OMJ audition in Cape Town and be one of the first 30 people to register, as there can only be 30 auditions per session. Registration happens at the audition on a first come, first served basis.
The competition enter.
“We have found such incredibly talented jazz singers at our Open Mic Jazz singing competition,” says Elouise Matthys, the PR and promotions manager at GrandWest.
“Some of our past winners have become very well known on the jazz scene and we are very proud to have discovered them at the Open Mic Jazz singing competition.”
Past winners include Natasha Meister, in 2009, who has been thrilling discerning blues and funk audiences with her exceptional Motown voice.
She recently released her first is free to album. Sama-nominated Zoe Modiga was 2014’s winner. Zoe’s double disk debut album, released last year, was nominated in the Best African Artist and Best Jazz categories.
In 2010, Sandile Gontsana won the Open Mic Jazz singing competition.
He has since played for corporates and performed in numerous musicals.
He moved to Australia, performed in The Lion King musical from 2013 to this year, and now lives in England.
Last year’s winner, Ruby Truter, who is making a name for herself in the jazz business, believes this competition gave her the faith in her talent that she needed.
In a letter to Sun International, she wrote: “OMJ has played such a major role in my personal and musical growth, my self-confidence
Until September 19, 2018 from 8pm at Jackson Hall, GrandWest.
The semifinals and finals will take place on October 9 and 10.
suninternational.com/openmic-jazz.
and self-esteem, and ultimately put me on the map because my following has grown.
“I am eternally grateful for what OMJ has done for me and so many other vocalists whether they have won, been placed in the top three or not been placed at all. It gives you a sense of confidence.”
To add spice to the competition’s finals, the excellent 19-piece Lady Day Big Band will be accompanying finalists.
And, to make the finals extraspecial, Ruby will also be performing.
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