Samantha Mogwe and Puna grace My African Dream finale
Mpho Mokwape | Monday October 28, 2013 15:41
The talented 25-year-old singer was on her best element as she introduced the audience to her currently popular song Transitions, which is in rotation in local radio stations through a live performance.
It is no doubt that the neo-soul and rhythm and blues singer is gifted in her own right and thanks to My African Dream for exposing her talent. She was second runner-up in the 2003 competition.
Transitions which features local but internationally acclaimed rapper Zeus and Once You Love are of he two songs that captured the audience's attention as the humble Mogwe sang her heart out.
On the other hand it was not for the queen of jazz, Puna Gabasiane to be outclassed by Mogwe as she also gave the audience something to remember. It is often clear that Puna never disappoints on stage as she even takes the chanting crowd to the days of O Rile O A Nyala, one of her famous songs that elevated her to a much higher standard of musicianship.
There is no doubt that the crowd enjoyed the presence of the two talented soulful women on stage. Both are gifted in their own right and with their raw singing talent that often is lacking in most artists who never perform with a live band. The two can be elevated to greater heights, especially Mogwe who is looking at expanding her horizon to a much wider audience.
Meanwhile, the My African Dream which seems to be battling to regain its momentum from when it began years ago, started with the arrival of the 18 finalists in Barloworld cars marking the long awaited show.
The show which often attracts dancers and singers mostly was no different this year as nine dance groups and eight singers battled it out live for the top spots. Only two females stood out as they chose different genres to compete in, Rukonde from Maun and a young girl Kgomotso from Mahalapye took to the stage performances that are more male dominated; being comedy and poetry respectively.
Though the talent was plenty among all the finalists, there were few contestants who stood out among the rest. However, 16-year-old beat boxer, Boago impressed the audience with his talent along with Niz Nazay and Justice Nyathi both singers.
But for shows where the winners are decided through a voting system over a period of time, it becomes a little too late for finale performances even if the audience is impressed as already the winner is determined.
The biggest winner of the night was Oletile Manuwal, a guitarist and singer from Maun. He won the teen category and the judge's choice award.
The judges' choice award according to the judges is often given to someone who shows dedication and commitment to his/her craft, and Smooth Jiggaz came as the runner-up in the teen category.
In the junior category 10-year-old poet, Kgomotso Boikhutso scooped the prize followed by a dance group We 'Lle' Danzy as runners-up while the senior, Star afro kwasa won and Amagidios came second.