Namibian talent qualifies to take on international stage
Over 40 performers qualify to represent Namibia in South Africa and New York next year
Talent Namibia takes place every year and provides a platform for all forms of creative expression to be showcased to a panel of judges. This year the annual Talent Namibia competition took place on 29 and 30 November and saw 54 High Gold medals (90% and above) and 196 gold medals (80 -89 percent) won with more than 40 contestants qualifying for both Show Your Talent South Africa and Talent America in New York next year.Director of Talent Namibia, Luzaan Blaauw says that this year they had a large number of contestants entering and an even larger number of acts signed up - 65 contestants and over 290 acts registered. “We had a lot of entries this year and it was truly amazing to see all the God given talent that we have in Namibia,” says Blaauw.
This year four performers participated in Talent America and received a number of trophies and medals. Their performance In New York earned Namibia the title of ‘Best entertainer of the year” at Talent America for 2024.
One of the Judges for Talent Namibia and director for Show Your Talent South Africa, Juanita Oosthuizen, says that with the talent she witnessed over the weekend, she has no doubt that Namibia will scoop the best entertainer award again.
“There is extraordinary talent in Namibia, not normal talent, extraordinary talent! Namibia won the entertainer of the year award this year and I think that they can do it again next year,” says Oosthuizen.
Not only was Oosthuizen a judge at Talent Namibia, but she was also a scout for New York fashion week and was assigned to identify four models, but by a twist of events ended up choosing a wild card as well.
The five models that caught her eye, Meané Jacobs, Armoné Breitenbach, Anri Brynard, Maike Steidler and, the wild card, Ruan Potgieter were chosen to take part in New York Fashion week next year in February.
Wild card Ruan Potgieter shares how he felt in the moment, "I honestly felt played a little. The MC kept repeating that only 4 were chosen, then all of a sudden dropping a 'wild card' with my name, I was absolutely stunned!"
The overall winners for the various categories were:
Acting - Luca Coffee
Modeling - Lilibeth Bazuin
Dance - Uzziel Borzei
Vocal - Aneeke Gird
Eistedfod - Annri Hattingh
Photo Modeling - Lilibeth Bazuin
Instrumental - Jo-Ann Strauss
Visual Arts - Kula Rodrigues
OVERALL GROUPS - UCDC
Overall TRIO - LG DANCE TRIO GROUP
Overall DUET - KATSVARA LADIES
Triple Threat Winner - Lilibeth Bazuin,
Overall Diamond Award (highest mark, 96%) - Aneeka Gird,
Teachers Award Winner - Jo-Ann Strauss