Showcasing young talent

Musically gifted
The after-school enrichment programme recently hosted a singing competition.
Michelline Nawatises
Mondesa Youth Opportunities (MYO) recently hosted a singing competition at its premises in Mondesa.

A total of 19 learners competed against each other, with nine in the junior category covering grades four to six and ten in the senior category covering grades seven and eight. To enter, the learners had to sign up and convince the MYO jurors to participate. No more than five contestants per class were allowed, while the winners of the previous inter class competitions were signed up automatically.

According to Anke Husemeyer, the manager of MYO, the learners of the marimba classes started competing against their classmates in 2022. “We then decided to take it back to the big stage. Now, with most restricting measures lifted for the first time in more than two years, the end of the first semester seemed the perfect time to host an event like this.”

Husemeyer said the event allowed them to end the first half of 2022 with a big celebration, a celebration of MYO, and a showcase of their learners’ talent. “Although it was a competition, our main aim was for our learners to enjoy the moment, share the love of music and create a special memory with their fellow learners, parents and our friends and sponsors, as well as to celebrate each other.”

WINNERS

The learners were selected by a panel of three judges: Enid Jane Bock, Nickie Tute, and Petrus “Pepi” Paterson.

The winners in the junior category were Cataleya Vries; Elvi Uiras, and Victoria Bikeur. The winners in the senior category were Jubilee Izaaks; Rauha Pefinde, and Mareldia Haimbodi. Jubilee shed tears of joy when she won. “It was my first time partaking in a singing competition. I am happy that I won, I did not expect to win first place.”

The prizes included hampers sponsored by individuals and companies from the community, which included vouchers for cafés and restaurants, vouchers for stationery, printing vouchers, backpacks, food, household items such as washing powder and dishwashing liquid, art, bags, tennis balls, as well as cash prizes.

Musical events and competitions became part of MYO just after its establishment through street performances, marimba shows, recorder showcases, and talent shows. For over ten years, MYO has been hosting events annually to showcase learners’ talents. After adding music lessons to the MYO curriculum in 2006, the first MYO music showcase was hosted in 2007, and MYO Idols followed in 2008.

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Republikein 2025-04-24

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