A new singing show is on the SABC1 horizon and if you thought Clash Of The Choirs was big, then you will be blown away by The Sing Off SA.
Packaged as a search for South Africa’s top a capella groups, The Sing Off SA aims to find vocal talent at a grassroots level. With a capella, there are no musicians to hide behind – it is easy to hear who has what it takes when the music is stripped down to the quality of the voice. Singer and TV presenter, Noluthando Meje (pictured), has been chosen as the host.
“I am happy that I got this slot, but I must say that I am also nervous. I am always nervous and I think it’s a good thing because you should never be too confident. It comes across as arrogant,” she said .
As a singer herself, she is delighted to be part of a competition that gives unknown talent exposure on a national level. Knowing a thing or two about South African music, Meje even predicted where these future stars are likely to hail from.
“It’s all about a capella which is the first instrument we all have before we learn to play anything else. I am excited to hear all the talent that will be showcased all over the country. I think Cape Town will give us a lot to look forward to, but PE will also give us something because the a capella culture is big there,” she said.
Apart from Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the recently formed The Soil, there isn’t really much a capella music shown in the main-stream media. SABC1 have a show called Imizwilili which is close to the subject in that we see an array of South African choirs across with country. The unfortunate thing about that is that it all feels like it’s just for the church and there are no other fresh styles, like that of The Soil, being given screen time. The Sing Off SA attempts to show just how vibrant the a capella culture is in the country.
“A capella is still relevant today. People out there are making their own brew of a capella, especially the young people. I was at a wedding recently and there was a group of young people singing a capella and they were so amazing, which just goes to show that thanks to groups like The Soil, young people are following that trend,” said Meje.
With regards to her presenting the show, Meje feels that her musicality played a huge role in her getting the gig.
“Everyone who knows me knows how I love harmonising. In primary school, when I sang with my girls, I was always the one to go into different vocal ranges. On this show we are going to explore the same skills. I am going to try and not break into song when I am presenting. It’s not about me, but about the contestants,” she said.
Having been on IdolsSA as a contestant, Meje has a few nuggets of wisdom for all The Sing Off SA contestants.
“I know how it feels to be a contestant. I am aware of the roller-coaster of emotions and although I am on the other side this time, I am not going to restrict my emotions. These people are human beings after all, so I will feel for them.The contestants need to remember that they are a crew. Their voices depend on each other and if one doesn’t show up, then the group suffers,” she said.
The winning group stands to take home a recording contract with Sony and R250 000.
Mzansi Magic’s Clash Of The Choirs did very well, so it remains to be seen if the public broadcaster’s “reply” show will do better.
• Visit www.sabc1.co.za for further information and developments on The Sing Off SA auditions.