The ATKV-Crescendo music development programme, will collaborate with Expression Session to identify and develop undiscovered musical talent.
The finalists selected during these sessions will attend a mentorship programme next year.
Robin Dean-Fourie founded Expression Session in Worcester in 2008 to create a platform for artists to showcase their talent. Since then, the monthly event has expanded to Kuils River, Oudtshoorn and George.
Rather than being a talent competition, ATKV-Crescendo is a development programme designed to provide songwriters with knowledge, experience and guidance, and participants are encouraged to sing and write in their own dialect.
The team of mentors is selected from a diverse group of musicians and artists to ensure that the finalists receive as much knowledge and experience from across the musical spectrum as possible.
“There are no restrictions on how an artist may express himself or herself,” explains Jerome Rex, who heads the Expression Session in Kuils River.
“The majority of the performers are singers, rappers, actors, and dancers, but entrepreneurs and interior designers have also shared their passion and skills with the audiences. Prize-winning poet Siphokazi Jonas, singer and entertainer, Keanu Harker, and rap sensation, King Smasher are just a few of the artists who have performed at Expression Session.”
“We are very excited to be working with ATKV-Crescendo again because they share our passion for artist development,” Jerome said.
“As part of this collaboration, Expression Session has created events where participants can audition in front of an audience.”
The auditions will take place on Thursday November 24 in Worcester, and on Sunday November 27 in Kuils River.
To register for the Worcester auditions, contact Whaden Johannes at crescendo02@atkv.org.za or Jerome Rex at expressionentry@gmail.com for the Kuils River auditions. All registrations for auditions at Expression Session must be received seven days before the event.
Those interested to take part in the mentorship programme can also register online. Entry forms are available at www.atkv.org.za. Email the completed entry form, a copy of the lyrics, an MP3 or voice note of your own song and proof of R100 payment to crescendo01@atkv.org.za. Entries close on Tuesday January 31, 2023. The finalists will be announced on Monday February 13 next year.
