We have a pop idol in the form of squeaky-clean Heinz Winckler, we almost have a new Big Brother celebrity millionaire and soon South Africa will have brand-new kwaito stars and a DJto support.
The Schweppes Sparkling Granadilla Kwaito Fabulous project is a national search for promising new talent in the genre. The winner receives a record deal from Ghetto Ruff Records. Qualifying events take place in shopping centres during the day with the best acts going through to club rounds:Durban’s Destiny (October 12), Cape Town’s Snap (October 25), Pretoria’s Carnalita (November 1) and Jo’burg’s Limelite (November 9), with the finals heating up Jo’burg’s TopStar drive-in on December 7. Kwaito star Zola MCs at these events and famous kwaito acts will also perform. Those who think they have what it takes can phone Tel:086 22 77 300 to enter.
For those who prefer to be behind the decks rather than in front of the microphone, e.tv show Backstage, in conjunction with Big Time and Yfm, runs the Backstage FMDJcompetition. DJs aged 18 to 25 should submit one entry each (original or remixed material) on CD or cassette (of only two minutes’ duration) before the four finalists are announced on November 29. These four will then appear on Backstage, with the finals screened onthe show December 20. The hotline to call for instructions and details about entering the contest is Tel: 083 123 3885.