On Saturday 10 May, the University of Pretoria hosted an exciting finals round of ShowUP. Weeks of hard work and dedication culminated into show-stopping performances that dazzled the audience with the young talent put on display. From incredible displays of dexterity and flexibility to emotive vocal solos, each act had passion and creativity that reflected the dynamic South African art scene.
ShowUP first began with its preliminary rounds. During these performances, the stakes were high as the initial group of participants was whittled down into a smaller number of final contenders. This year’s finalists were reduced from 500 performances to a diverse 30, showcasing the intensity and fierceness of the competition. After incorporating the given feedback, participants returned for the finals round. Each performer gave their all in hopes of being selected as part of the top three from their category.
The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities set the tone for the evening with his opening address. He emphasised the ability of ShowUP to “transform” and celebrate “vision and limitless possibility”. That night, the finalists embodied this spirit of limitless possibility.
After the Dean’s opening address, the performances began. For the first time in the competition’s history, ShowUP included a primary school category. Despite being small in size, these talented young performers showed that they should not be underestimated. First-place winner Micayla Van Heerden delivered a snazzy jazz rendition of “La Vie En Rose” featuring some confident scat singing. Runner-up Lia Smit blew the audience away with a charismatic, energetic dance number coupled with some sassy facial expressions to match. Completing the top three, Migael Maritz spiced up the evening with a cool vocal solo.
The high school category also held its own. Kelvin Olckers earned first place in the category with a charming concertina (an accordion-like instrument with buttons) solo. He kept the audience thoroughly entertained throughout the performance with skilled finger work and playful choreography that he improvised on the spot. Kaylin Knoetze maintained the fire with an intense, captivating dance solo. Each move was punctuated with intention and emotion that reeled the audience in as she moved in harmony with the music. Third place winners Garsies Dance Crew took us back in time with a Y2K-inspired ensemble performance featuring some fan favourites.
The dynamic high school performances were balanced with quiet, powerful moments of spoken word. Three high school orators took to the stage to channel the voice of the South African youth through original pieces. The three individual performances deftly tackled complex themes of culture and identity by playing around with tone and silence. Each pause was intentional, and each word was carefully chosen. This was a promising sight for the poetry scene in South Africa.
The student category, featuring our very own UP students, upped the ante. Lutendo Tshikwatanba, who placed first, showcased his varied, extensive dance background. From the age of 10, he has dabbled in many different styles, collecting dance experience through performances at the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA). This major convention provides a platform for talents such as dancers, actors, and singers. In his performance, Tshikwatanba grabbed the audience’s attention instantly, beginning with impressive singing from off-stage. He continued to captivate as he danced blindfolded on stage for the first part of his performance. His combination of different dance styles with precise, sharp movements and grace is a testament to his years of dedication and experience. That night, Tshikwatanba gave what he fittingly describes as “the performance of a lifetime”.
The second-place contender is someone that a lot of UP students are familiar with. Neri Chawane started singing when he was five years old, and he began performing when he was ten. A performance he remembers vividly was when he sang in front of Cabinet at the National Teaching Awards. He credits his talent to his father who is a famous gospel singer and the vocal training he has received over the years. It is no wonder that Chawane gave a spectacular, seasoned vocal performance during ShowUP. It was a subtle yet spirited rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”.
Third-place winner Malachi Prigge, better known to his first years as “Sir”, received a standing ovation. This is the second time that The Tower has featured in the top three, as last year’s winner Justin Zulu also came from The Tower. Prigge has been performing since he was in grade eight, nurturing a dream he has had since childhood. Like his Tower predecessor, Prigge did not disappoint. He embodied various characters, singing Michael Bublé’s “Feeling Good” in a display of masterful voice acting. The audience was charmed by his impressive vocal skills and tongue-in-cheek choreography. Prigge himself described how he felt like a “true entertainer in his truest form” while he was on stage.
All of the UP finalists expressed a desire to continue performing. Tshikwatanba spoke of how this experience has given him the confidence to know that he will be “outstanding in the industry”. Chawane feels as if singing is something he “is meant to do”, while Prigge realised he has “a natural ability to entertain”. Furthermore, ShowUP also allowed the top three finalists to connect with other performers who share the same passions, paving the way for them to collaborate with other professionals in the future.
The sophistication and depth of talent embodied by the young performers at ShowUP inspires many and gives us hope for the future of the arts in South Africa.
