On 8 February, the highly anticipated first-year concert, 1nSync, took centre stage. The final part of most first-years’ orientation week brought together students, staff, and proud family and friends who travelled from far and wide to witness this thrilling showcase of talent. With performances held in both the Aula Theatre and the Amphitheatre, the atmosphere buzzed as the first-years gave it their all in this annual event.
For those that do not know, 1nSync is an annual first-year concert where students from different structures compete in a dance showcase, supported by a live band. It gives newcomers a chance to bond, express their creativity, and immerse themselves in student culture while also aiming for top honours in their respective categories. The event kicked off with an opening speech by Vice-Principal of Student Life Prof. Themba Mosia. He warmly welcomed all attendees and highlighted the significance of events like 1nSync in helping first-years integrate into university life.
With over 20 structures performing, the first act of the night set the tone. OPVSC delivered a great performance that promised viewers an entertaining night ahead. From that moment, the competition was fierce, with each structure bringing unmatched energy, creativity, and stage presence. The themed performances ranged from the sports-inspired Wimbledon concept by Curelitzia to the Olympic-inspired “Madelympics” by Madelief. Others took a more cultural and relatable approach such as Hayani’s powerful “Back to Our Roots” theme and Blossoms Delight’s heartfelt tribute to blue-collar workers.
While the majority of the night was filled with cheers and celebrations, some challenges arose with attendees. Members from structures such as House TAU and Asterhof obstructed views of fellow spectators by standing directly in front of seated audience members as well as standing on chairs, causing tension and discomfort. Some audience members voiced their frustrations, leading to some heated exchanges as some of the individuals causing havoc in the front row refused to move. However, despite these minor setbacks, the night’s performances overshadowed any disruptions, delivering an unforgettable experience for all.
The success of the night was a testament to the hard work of Stuku (Student Culture Committee), with Culture External Charline Makhado and fellow colleagues working tirelessly behind the scenes. From coordinating performances and ensuring seamless transitions to handling security and ticketing challenges, their dedication ensured a flawless event for both the participants and the spectators.
With a diverse musical selection, the night featured iconic songs such as Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”, Man with a Mission’s “Raise Your Flag”, and the South African hit “Biri Marung”. These tracks, combined with dynamic choreography, ensured a good time for all attendees and showcased the amazing talent of the first-years.
The competition was fierce, but in the end, Blossoms Delight stole the show with their moving tribute to construction workers, earning them the title of overall winners. Meanwhile, Curelitzia claimed the new “VIP’s Favourite” award as well as second place overall, solidifying their place among the night’s standout performances.
1nSync 2025 was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of the vibrant student culture that makes UP unique. For the first-years who took part, this event was the start of an unforgettable journey. For those who watched, it was a night of inspiration, proving that the next generation of UP students is ready to leave their mark. Until next year, 1nSync remains a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication.
Award Winners
Overall External Residences and Societies:
1st: Blossoms Delight
Overall Faculty Houses:
1st: EduHouse
2nd: OPVSC
3rd: HuBit
Overall Day houses:
1st: Vividus
2nd : Dregeana
3rd : Luminous
Overall Residences:
1st: Curelitzia
2nd: House Mopane
3rd: Erica
Overall Winners:
1st : Blossoms Delight
2nd: Curelitzia
3rd: Vividus
The rest of the awards can be viewed on STUKU’s Instagram page.
