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THREE DIGITAL AUDITIONS END ON HIGH NOTE

28/09/2021 08:16:00 BY DUDU DUBE

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MBABANE - The Spotlight Season three digital auditions ended on a high note on Sunday with many talented young artists putting up a good fight and judges having a great time as they selected thier favourites.

Young people from around the country sent their last audition videos trying to show the judges why they believe that they are the best of the best. As usual, the resident judges; Ndumiso Dlamini, Velemseni Ndzimandze, and Khulekani ‘Karly B’ Mamba sat through the heaps of audition videos to select hopefuls that have got what it takes to be Eswatini’s next superstar. While some ‘nos’ kept coming, there were also impressive singers that secured a full house of nods and went through to the next round of the competition. One of them is Lebohang (18), who set off to a great start with a rendition of ‘Take a Bow’ by Rihanna, and got the green light to proceed to the next round. Sanele Mkhwanazi (21) came after her and his beautiful rendition of ‘Intliziyo’ by Loyiso bagged him Y’ello ticket and he secured a place in the next round of The Spotlight season three.

Quagmire

It was a tough day at the office of the judges and judge Ndumiso explained their quagmire, “This is the last week. So there are already other people we have heard that we need to unseat. That is the tricky part of the last week. So, you might find that some contestants are good, but then the question is, are they good enough to outshine what we have now?” Other contestants like Sanele Mkhwanazi (21) were advised to keep writing songs and perform them. A returnee from the first season, Nosipho Tsabedze (23) tried her luck once again but failed to break through. However, the judges strongly agreed that she has improved and further advised her to try again next year. “I love her determination,” said Judge Ndumiso. “I think for me; she still needs to fix her singing key issue. Otherwise, she has a very nice and sweet falsetto,” he added.

“I think this is a very great improvement from what she brought during the first season. The unfortunate reality though is that it is still not at the standard that others are bringing,” said Judge Karly B. Another youngster, Andiswa Shabangu (16) put on a good fight that saw Judge Velemseni begging Judge Ndumiso, who was not that much convinced to save her. “Andiswa is very young and has a great understanding of her voice already. I am not sure if she is ready, or I am excited by the talent,” said Judge Velemseni. Judge Ndumiso agreed that she has great talent, but felt she needed to still grow a bit more for the competition. With a no from Karly B, Judge Ndumiso had the deciding vote and he eventually gave her a chance.

Audition

Although his audition got the judges sitting on the fence, Bongani Gumbi’s (26) rich and textured voice was enough for him to sail through to the next round. The judges seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the auditions as they cracked jokes and were now and then lost in sheer moments of laughter. The Spotlight Host, Thamsanqa ‘KrTC’ Sibandze congratulated all those who made it to the next round and also commended those who didn’t make it. He reminded those who did not make it that The Spotlight is not here to qualify them as artists, “It just happens that on this day, you didn’t give us what we are looking for. We encourage you to take the words of advice from the judges. Practice, practice, and practice some more and try again next season.”

The Spotlight Season 3 is powered by MTN Eswatini, Eswatini TV, Destiny Group, Lifespan Diagnotics, Mantenga Lodge, Huawei, Nandos, Super Signs, KrTC of Hip Hop Clothing, Stiba’s Hair and Make Up. You can catch The Spotlight shows every Sunday at 5pm on Eswatini TV, MTN Facebook page, and YouTube Channel. You are also encouraged to get the Ayoba App for free on ayoba.me or Google Play Store, and get The Spotlight channel to get the 411 on the Amp It Up! season.