Turning heads
Altovise Lawrence and hair experts hunt for South Africa’s next hairstyling whizz in reality series A Cut Above The Rest. Who will win the crown?
A Cut Above The Rest
Season 1 Mondays (from 25 October) SABC3 (*193) 21:00
The scissors and blow dryers are out, the brushes are neatly placed in the cabinets and the competition is on, as 10 hairstylists from all corners of the country go head-tohead in a salon showdown in brand-new local reality show A Cut Above The Rest.
Whether it’s getting a bouncy blowout or a sleek updo with a pop of colour, the contestants are tasked with challenges that stretch their creativity, technical abilities and pressure skills.
At the end of each episode, the hairstylist with the lowest score is chopped, while the winner receives a R150 000 cash prize at the end of the season. “A Cut Above The Rest is a first of its kind,” explains actress and host Altovise Lawrence, who played Chantal in 2016 in soapie Scandal! (more on p36). Each week, she’s joined by resident judge, all-round hair guru and headmaster at a beauty academy Mimmi Biggar, as well as a rotating panel of guest judges.
“It’s South Africa’s first-ever hair reality competition series
which focusses on a beautiful group of diverse and exceptionally talented hairstylists,” adds Altovise.
“We focus on an art form that’s often overlooked and misunderstood. What’s exciting about A Cut Above The Rest is that you not only get a front row seat to the fabulous hairstyles, but you get to know the people behind these masterpieces. An episode is wild, fastpaced and authentic.”
THE BOLD TYPE
A Cut Above The Rest wouldn’t be a reality show without a bit of drama, some backbiting and shear competition. As Altovise reveals, the contestants are highly talented, ambitious and it’s a delight watching them put their best cutting skills forward to win.
“They’re multiskilled and capable of working with all types of hair. You’ll see the contestants passionate about what makes their hearts beat, which is thrilling to watch,” she adds.
Among the batch of contestants there’s a barber and new dad from Soweto. He’s confident that his bold haircuts will set him apart from his competitors. There’s also a colouring and braiding pundit from Vaal, with an extensive celebrity clientele.
“Before filming, I sat at home and looked into the contestants and their backgrounds to get a well-rounded understanding of who they are. So, you can image my excitement when I eventually met them. I was able to put a face to the names and profiles. Seeing them come to life made the wait worth it,” explains Altovise, before adding, “I’ve learnt a great deal from watching them do what they love.”
COVERING ALL BASES
Altovise explains that she was actively taking a break from acting when her agent called her to audition for A Cut Above The Rest. She thought it was a hoax, as in 2020, Altovise was diagnosed with Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. “When my agent was going through the brief, I assumed a hair brand was trying to send me products. I remember thinking: ‘Hold on, do they know I’m bald and that I have alopecia? This must be a game’. I was confused,” says the actress with a laugh.
Once the details of the show were clarified, she put on a brave face, and she auditioned. “I wanted to challenge myself. I learnt the script and gave it my all and the rest is history. I love every moment on set. What a joy.”
Stand Up South Africa
Season 1 Sundays SABC2 (*192) 18:30
South Africans have been through so much in the past 18 months. With the COVID-19 pandemic putting immense pressure on millions of households, it’s been a lengthy period of struggle and uncertainty. So, when SABC2 brought us the wholesome singing competition Stand Up South Africa in September, it came as a welcome break from life’s often lessthan-pleasant realities. Not only has the show brought phenomenal singing talent to our living rooms, but it’s also emphasised the importance of family as parent-child duos take to the stage.
OUTSTANDING!
Vying to impress the audience and the judges – singing icon Kurt Darren, SAFTA-winning actress Lorcia CooperKumalo and songstress Kelly Khumalo – the singing duos aim to get as many standing ovations as they can in order to move on to the next round. While the competitive nature of the show is daunting, judges Lorcia and Kurt reiterate the show is primarily about family. “I love the intention of the show – it’s a feel-good family show,” explains Lorcia. “Being a mom and wife, I love that Stand Up South Africa allows families to come together and perform. For some, this is the first time they’re performing to an audience, and to be able to experience this journey with them is amazing.”
SAFE SPACE
Fellow judge Kelly describes the show as a “beautiful rollercoaster”, and Kurt and Lorcia couldn’t agree more. “The surprise element every week keeps us on the edge of our seats!” Lorcia exclaims excitedly. “Watching everyone bond and build relationships is magic.” But the contestants aren’t the only ones that make viewers and the audience gasp at times. Kurt admits that “seriously strict” judge Kelly has a few too-honest moments with the singing couples,
“but she doesn’t say anything too controversial”. Lorcia completely agrees, adding that “the judges’ feedback does come from a sincere place”.
PICK A FAVE
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a number of family duos blow both the studio audience and the judges clean off their feet. But some talent surprised judges Kurt and Lorcia more than others. For Kurt, brothers Connor and Shaun Meiring proved to be standout performers, with Kurt explaining “they are probably the most commercial duo if they want to make a career out of music”. Meanwhile, Lorcia says she was left speechless by twins Lesedi and Lebone Khunou. “These young ladies really came through with some powerful performances. Absolutely dynamite!”
In terms of whether they have any favourites, the judges are keeping their cards close to their chest. “I am an absolute sucker for young talent, so any of the groups with kids I’m always cheering for. But there is a brother duo that may just blow us away…” says Lorcia. Asked who Kurt has his eye on, all the singer was willing to say was, “I have four favourites in the running at the moment, but time will tell…”
DUO DREAMS
While the focus is on the duos, we wanted to know who Lorcia and Kurt would love to appear on stage with. Lorcia wasted no time: “Definitely Janet Jackson! The perfection of live performance in my book.” And what is her song of choice with the great Lady Jackson? “Any Janet song is an anthem, but possibly If I Was Your Girl.”
Of course, Kurt also has a dreamduet of his own in mind and it’s with none other than the legendary Elton John. “His unique writing and singing style greatly influenced me – I had the privilege of meeting him once,” says Kurt proudly. In terms of the ideal song choice, Kurt doesn’t hesitate. “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me by Elton John. I had the honour of singing it with Kelly during the season and what a powerhouse voice!”