Nando’s unveils Emerging Artist of the Year finalists

The public can vote for their favourite finalist by sending an SMS with the word EMERGING plus the artist’s name to 49960. SMSs are charged at R2 and free SMSs do not apply.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

On Friday July 14, 2023, I had to make a decision about which of the two events, both important on their own whose invitation I had to honour. Both events were to take place pretty much at the same time, 45 minutes-drive apart.

Eventually between the two, I chose to attend Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year finalists presentation at Flame Studios. I did not regret the decision as I and the others invited by Nando’s witnessed amazing talent on stage.

The five finalists, gifted with powerful voices, their stage craft and the ability to compose songs that touch the soul  just left us with no doubt about the artistic talent this country is brimming with, but only need that opportunity to shine. This competition is what these mainly young artists needed to shine and show all and sundry just how gifted they are.

After the five finalists were introduced, and their mentor, music icon and songwriter Msaki had a one to one conversations with each of the artists about their repertoire and where they came from, the stage became theirs. But before each of the five contestants performed, the audience had an opportunity to be entertained by Nando’s own stairs that have been discovered by the leading friend chicken chain through its own internal talent search involving its own staff.

As the two went on stage, one after the other, before taking the stage as a duo to wind up their powerful performance, I wondered how it must have felt for the two to be performing before Nando’s senior management which encouragingly took time from their tight work schedules to attend the event. Those who attended the event from Nando’s included Kirsty Niehaus, Nando’s Marketing Manager (Creativity Portfolio) and co-founder of Nando’s himself Robbie Brozin. In corporate South Africa this sort of thing does not happen often where you will have owners of brands attend events to support their junior staff displaying their artistic sides to them.(Both musicians are grillers at Nando’s). 

The two emerging singers took a good account of themselves on stage. When it came to the performance showcases by the five finalists, it was indeed a revelation as the audience were left in awe of their sheer talent and determination to succeed.

In essence the Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year finalists showcased their talent ahead of 2023 Basadi in Music Awards on which their triumphed ahead of close to 500 others to snatch the five positions as finalists.

“Nando’s is firing up a new category at the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) – the Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year. The five finalists for the award have been selected by Nando’s music partner, Bridges For Music, and voting is open for the public to play their part in selecting the winner, who will walk away with a music bursary at Bridges Academy valued at R100 000, as well as a year of mentorship from South African music icon, Msaki.

To give media and VIP guests a taste of the talent on offer, Nando’s hosted a music showcase on 14 July at Flame Studios at Constitution Hill, featuring all five finalists and Msaki,”says a stamen from the organisers.

The five finalists are (in alphabetical order):

• Black Villain

• BUZZI Lee

• Gemma Fassie

• Noluthando Ngema

• Qaqamba Ntshinka

The public can vote for their favourite finalist by sending an SMS with the word EMERGING plus the artist’s name to 49960. SMSs are charged at R2 and free SMSs do not apply. People may vote as many times as they like. People can also listen to each finalist’s music and vote on the Basadi online platform Basadi-in-Music-Awards-2023-voting (scroll down to the Nando’s Emerging Artist category) or on Spotify Nando’s Emerging Artists of the Year Spotify

“Our purpose at Nando’s is changing lives, and we believe that nurturing young creative talents is a surefire way to do this,” said Niehaus,“We’re excited to partner with the Basadi in Music Awards as it’s a platform that really speaks to the heart of what we’re about. Since 2018, we have focused on developing emerging artists, along with our music partner, Bridges For Music, because we believe there’s a need to create pathways for South Africa’s next generation of musical talents to enter the industry, particularly women. We look forward to shining a light on some rising stars at this year’s BIMA event.”

As well as the music showcase, Nando’s, together with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), hosted a songwriting workshop for the finalists and other aspiring young songwriters at Nando’s Central Kitchen on 5 July, led by Msaki.

“It’s days like this that make me feel closer to the truest version of myself and closer to the source,” said Msaki. “I’m not here because I’m a good teacher or the best songwriter, but I recognise that I’m here because I’m a good student of creativity and a great encourager, relentlessly chasing the soul of the song. To more days like this!”

Brenda Mtambo, singer, songwriter and performer, as well as nominee for the Basadi in Music Awards Afro Pop Artist of the Year, says the workshop felt like “a whole diploma” on songwriting. “It’s been amazing! Understanding the process of creating music was amazing and Msaki was so insightful. Everything she spoke about resonated with me. I am a songwriter and I’ve been in this space for a long time (almost 20 years), but to have someone articulate things so well has been mind-blowing. I’ve never heard someone share so selflessly their creative process and journey. Everyone here is going to be inspired by that.”

Voting for the 2023 Basadi in Music Awards closes on 24 July 2023 and Niehaus encourages people to vote for the finalist of their choice to help launch her career. “These incredible young women need your votes to help fire up the next phase in their careers. Get your votes in today!”

For more on the Nando’s  emerging artists of the year nominees visit Meet-our-basadi-emerging-artist-of-the-year-finalists and for more about how Nando’s is changing lives through art, design and music programmes, visit www.nandoscreativity.co.za.