Showville
Small towns have big talent, as SA’s brand-new talent search competition Showville discovers.
Showville Season 1 Saturdays (from 6 February) SABC2 19:30
So you think that South Africa’s undiscovered talent is only in the big cities? Think again! New-kid- onthe-reality-TV- competition-show block Showville SA (2016- current) is giving SA’s smaller towns a chance to shine. From jugglers to magicians, unicycling clowns to contortionists, belly-dancing gymnasts to comedians – we’ll see it all. Professional dancer Bontle Modiselle and comedian/actor Rob van Vuuren travel the country to find and refine the skills of talented residents in over 20 towns in search of the best act from each area. The prize? R10 000 cash! We asked the presenters to explain how Showville works…
BONTLE (25)
What was the best part of the auditioning process? Not knowing what to expect. The fact that it’s a variety talent show creates an element of surprise. Were there any stand-out acts for you? Sedgefield in the Western Cape (episode 5 on 5 March) had something about it. It was a representation of what all of SA should look like. Everything was levelled up – the landscape, age groups, race and talent. I’d go so far as saying their talent is of international quality. Picking a favourite act from here is difficult. If you were to enter, what talent would you put on show? It would have to be something unique, like swallowing swords while hula-hooping a snake [Laughs]. What’s it like travelling and working with your co-host Rob? He’s from a comedic and stage background and I’m a dancer. Plus there’s an age gap, but somehow that never seems to matter. We have the same eye for what’s good and what isn’t, and when we disagree, we work it out. It’s my first “TV thing” and he held my hand. I laugh every day, but I’ve also seen different sides to Rob and he’s extremely compassionate. Is the show anything like you expected it to be? The format and production is extremely mind-blowing and an absolute emotional rollercoaster. It’s been an amazing experience!