Launched in December 2015, the competition, is a brand new initiative from espAfrika and a highlight to the annual festival calendar.\u00a0 espYoungLegends search for promising independent jazz-inspired artists and bands, where the winner will perform at the CTIJF 2016 in April this year. The competition aims to boost the careers of young musicians through valuable performance experience. This forms part of espAfrika\u2019s long term aim to support and develop local talent that can contribute to a thriving and sustainable entertainment industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were overwhelmed by the number and quality of entries we received which came in from across the country\u201d said music impresario Bev Scott-Brown, herself a seasoned performer who has co-ordinated the search.\u00a0 Scott-Brown\u2019s musical ear along with Festival Director, Billy Domingo\u2019s innate ability to spot performance talent, have now narrowed the entries down to a shortlist of 20 eager musical groups.<\/p>
Domingo, who has over 40 years\u2019 experience in the music industry, is passionate about providing spaces and opportunities for the next generation of entertainment professionals.\u00a0 With the espYoung Legends initiative, he hopes to not only give a performance opportunity to an aspiring act, but also expose unfound talent to a broader South Africa. \u201cNow it is the public\u2019s turn to see what musical genius we have right here at home.\u00a0 By going to the website and listening to each of the bands on offer, we hope that we will be creating new fans for some of these guys and helping them establish themselves\u201d said Domingo.<\/p>\n
The final five will be determined and announced on 8 February 2016, from which a panel (including Camillo Lombard, Donveno Prins and DJ Easy), will choose the winner who will then be revealed to the public on 11 February 2016.<\/p>
It\u2019s Up To You!<\/p>\n
Members of the public are actively encouraged to help our young artists grow with performance experience.\u00a0 Vote for your favourite #espYL2016 hopeful to secure their spot in the Top 5.<\/p>\n
Go to www.espafrika.com\/Top-20<\/a> to cast your vote.\u00a0 The band with the highest number of public votes will be assured a position in the Top 5.<\/p>\n Want to see the winner live in concert?\u00a0 Go to\u00a0 www.computicket.com<\/a> to book your tickets.<\/p>\n Follow espAfrika on social media for more #espYL2016 updates<\/p>\n WWW.facebook.com\/espafrika<\/a><\/p>\n www.twitter.com\/espafrika<\/a><\/p>\n www.espafrika.com<\/a><\/p>\n official hashtag: #espYL2016<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n