VOICES, VERSES AND VISION TAKES CENTER STAGE AT EAGI TALENT FESTIVAL

Nehema Ntumba

@nehema_ntumba 

Edited by Mignon Walters

 

The stage came alive on Thursday, 25 September as the annual EAGI Talent Festival celebrated the fine arts with a night of unforgettable performances. From poetry and dance to acting, opera, and instrumental music, the event showcased the immense talent of students who are keeping the spirit of the arts thriving on campus.

 

The festival also came with high stakes. With over 200 applications submitted, only 22 students were selected to perform, competing for prizes of R5 000 for third place, R10 000 for second place, and a grand prize of R25 000 for the winner.

 

The night began with a lively dance and singing routine, setting a warm and exciting tone for what was to follow. The competition then officially opened with a powerful rendition of Trouble by Elvis Presley. This first act set the standard for the evening, proving that the festival was truly showcasing some of the best talent the university had to offer.

 

From there, the performances only grew stronger. Opera singers stunned the crowd with vocal abilities that drew gasps of awe, while dancers pushed their bodies to limits that few could imagine. The passion and skill on display gave many in the audience a renewed respect for the arts.

 

After the first set of performances, the audience enjoyed a 25-minute break. What they didn’t realize was that they had already witnessed two of the top winners: second-place finisher Nomgqibelo Sukwana and the overall champions, Black Note . The buzz during the intermission was filled with admiration for the sheer level of artistry already on display.

 

The second half of the night continued the momentum, with more students stepping onto the stage and raising the bar even higher. Despite the event taking place during the peak of dine season, SAC and HC elections, and ongoing tests, the venue was still filled with enthusiastic supporters — a clear sign of the community’s dedication to the arts.

 

When the final act concluded, the judges deliberated for 20 minutes before announcing the winners. In third place was Anelle Arbuckle, followed by Nomgqibelo Sukwana in second, and the grand prize went to Black Note, whose performance left a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience.

 

More than just a competition, the EAGI Talent Festival stood out as a source of inspiration. It reminded everyone present that stepping onto the stage takes courage, and the act of sharing one’s talent can inspire others to do the same. Beyond the prizes, the festival’s greatest gift was its celebration of creativity, expression, and the unifying power of the arts.