On Saturday, the 25th of May 2024, Tshepo Sithole the co-founder of iTalent Libhaya Ekasi an initiative that aims to uplift and encourage talented youth in the township hosted a talented show at the Duduza Freedom Square in Ekurhuleni.
Talent Libhaya Ekasi as it is affectionately known is a talent show that takes place every last Saturday of the month in the township of Duduza and this was it’s 4th edition. It is primarily a platform for artists(especially the kids) to showcase their talents in the arts and network with other creatives from similar or related fields.
Sithole is a musician who is part of renowned duo the Kingsmen alongside producer and singer/rapper Daniel King.
“I am passionate about the arts and the people. I am also a television and radio personality. I come from the township of Duduza where creatives lack opportunities hence I took it upon myself and my team to change the climate of the arts in our township,” he said.
Sithole further said ever since he joined forces with his brothers Mpho Madela and Frank Ndlovu they have made a mandate to make an impact in their community.
“A big part of our team is Matokollo MA2K who is a dancer and artist from Duduza who herself is passionate about the arts and coined the term “iTalent Libhaya Ekasi” which we have since run with for the past 4 months.”
The initiative was inspired by the fact that talented kids end up on the streets and abusing substances because they lack guidance, exposure, and discipline.
“I have taken it upon myself and the team to mentor these kids hence giving them a stage and audience once monthly to exercise their talents. We aim to take as many kids off the streets as possible as this initiative challenges them to better their craft for three weeks before the actual show every month,” he added.
Those who need to record music and those who need to rehearse their poetry, acting scripts or dance moves also use this time for preparation hence minimising the amount of time they spend in the streets.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
