Big Fish launches talent search on Saturday

Gospel music legend Sipho ‘Big Fish’ Makhabane will officially launch his nationwide gospel music talent search auditions at Mhlangatane Sports Day.

The talent search will be held at Ntsinini Sports Ground on Saturday as part of celebrations marking his 60th birthday.

The auditions will run alongside the sporting event, which begins at 9am with an aerobics session led by Coach Iron. Football matches will follow, with Liverpool taking on Wemer Cosmos at 12pm before Ndwabangeni Fast Movers face Manchester at 2pm.

Makhabane said he would be conducting auditions throughout the day using a large sound system while the football matches continue on the field.

He said the talent search forms part of his commitment to discovering and nurturing young gospel musicians across the country.

“I have been busy with tours, performances and other responsibilities, but I made a commitment to discover 20 gifted young people in the country. I have done it before and I know the talent is there,” he said.

The award-winning musician said he had previously helped launch the careers of groups and artists including Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors, Shongwene Khuphuka and Frans Dlamini.

He also pointed to the success of singers who were discovered through his popular SABC2 television talent search, I Want to Sing Gospel, explaining that although some contestants did not win the competition, they later joined renowned gospel ensembles such as Spirit of Praise and Joyous Celebration.

“I am bringing this initiative to Eswatini because I know there is incredible talent here. I want to discover people from every corner of the country,” he said.

Makhabane said the search was aimed specifically at identifying traditional gospel artists as part of efforts to preserve the genre.

“I want the best traditional gospel artists because I want to protect traditional gospel,” he said.

He added that the auditions would not only identify talented singers but would also provide mentorship and encourage young artists to remain authentic in their music.

The veteran musician further revealed that he had recently been approached to revive the Mhlangatane football league through sponsorship after it had ceased operating.

He said details of the funding partner would be announced at a later stage.

Makhabane encouraged aspiring gospel artists to attend Saturday’s event and said more audition dates and venues across the country would be announced once planning was complete.

“I am coming to a town near you. Go ahead and cook me that chicken as we celebrate my 60th birthday because I will be coming to your town,” he said.

Further details on the nationwide auditions are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.