Pukki Talentfees ends off in style
The 35th Pukki Talentfees reached its highlight when it ended off the Gala show and winner announcement on Friday 11 May. This annual competition, presented by NWU-Potch Arts and SCC: Arts Council, was an exhibition of the unbelievable standard of the performing and creative art talent among the students of the NWU Potchefstroom campus.
The show consisted of 34 items where students as well as staff showcased their talents, with the South African singer, Nadiné, as master of ceremonies. The spectacular show included dancing, singing, drama and instrumental numbers, as well as the winners of the classical category that took place on Wednesday 9 May. The artists were accompanied by the Artéma Orchestra and back-up singers, with Pieter de Bruin as musical director. Not only were the performances of outstanding quality, but the evening was without a doubt also a festive experience for the audience.
There were various categories in the contemporary competition. One of the winners was Jeanine Malan with her drama performance I ate the divorce papers, written by Gabriel Davis, she was also the winner of the “ATKV Vakansie prys”. Mpumelo Mongewabone’s African jazz solo, Yakhal’inkomo by Winston Mankuku Ngozi, won in first place in the vocal solo category, with Black Note winning a first place for the group category, as well as the De Jonge Akker Koffiehuis prize. The Juventis Prize – awarded to the student/s who best portrays the essence of being a student – was shared by Mpumelelo Mongewabone and Daniel Kgotlhang.
Adriaan Jacobs received the first prize for the staff category for his entertaining ventriloquist act (accompanied by his pleasant puppet, Charlie). Rochelle Langford won the second place in this category with her solo, Son of a preacher, by Dusty Springfield.
The overall winner of the creative arts category, which included visual art, prosa, poetry and own compositions, was the visual artist Gretchen Crots. Segomotso Shupinyaneng was the winner of the classical performing arts category with the solo Glitter and be gay by Leonard Bernstein, and the contemporary performing arts category’s overall winner was DM de Kock who danced on Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran. It is the first time in 35 years that a dance act was announced as the overall winner of this category.
Pukki Talentfees 2018 was definitely an unforgettable experience for both the participants and the audience. It was a fine week with brilliant performances by students and staff on the campus, and 2019’s competition will have to give it everything to top this year’s ‒ something to look forward to next year.
Written by: Rouxné van der Westhuizen
Photo: Anne-Marie Wichmann