Mohalenyane Phakela
JOHANNESBURG-based fashionista twins, Tšeliso and Matšeliso Thella, will hold a talent search competition in Butha-Buthe next month.
According to Matšeliso, they came up with the talent search concept in response to a barrage of propositions and demos from local artistes seeking sponsorship. She said youths from the twins’ home district, Butha Buthe, in particular and the whole country in general looked up to them and they felt compelled to assist.
“It is because of the love and passion we have for our country, especially our home district, that we decided to embark on this initiative,” Matšeliso told Xpress People this past week.
“We believe there is a lot of potential based on the number proposals we get from young people asking for assistance in marketing them. We usually collect their demos and distribute them wherever we are and whenever we can.”
Born and bred in Serutle, Butha Buthe, the twin sisters attended St Agnes High School and later on studied at the University of Johannesburg where they obtained degrees in Retail Marketing.
In 2010, the Thella twins launched TTwins Productions with three divisions; TTwins Sunglasses, TTwins Clothing and TTwins Promotions. The sunglasses are manufactured in Italy, catering for both adults and kids, while the clothing section offers a wide variety and assortment of T-shirts, head gear and hoodies.
She said nascent talent needed a platform to be nurtured, hence the talent competition.
“We need to show budding artists they can make a living from their talents and become stars,” said Matšeliso.
Although the contest will be held at Crocodile Inn in Butha Buthe, she said it was open to everyone from the rest of the country, adding that plans were afoot to make it a national event in future.
“The competition is being held in Butha-Buthe, but we will still allow people from other districts to participate and also attend the event,” said Matšeliso.
“Ultimately, we intent to morph the contest into a Lesotho Has Got Talent of sorts. But as they say, charity begins at home, and that’s why we are piloting it in Butha Buthe.”
She said the competition would be open to individuals or groups between the ages of 15 and 35 in the realms of comedy, music, disc spinning and poetry. Registration will commence on 15 August until 26 September when the contest officially begins.
“It will have three winners. Our overall winner will sign a contract with TTwins as the face of the brand. He or she will get a recording deal with a reputable stable from which a professional demo will be recorded as well as marketing for a year,” Matšeliso added.
“There will be trophies too and all participants will get certificates and receive mentorship by professionals in their respective fields. We intend to develop their careers and put them on the map nationally and internationally.
“So if you are talented, come show us what you have got and impress our panel of judges so that we can take you to places you only dreamt of.”
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