The band, BrotherBrother, walked home with the first Band or Bust grand prize, hosted by the Toyota US Woordfees and Texx and the City (TATC).
Five South African acts (out of over initial 100 entries) showcased their unsigned talent in the hopes of walking away with the grand prize of a R10 000 cash prize, an electronic press kit (EPK), a professional photoshoot and a recording of a single produced by Theo Crous (Springbok Nude Girls) and Karen Zoid.
“The fact that they [Woordfees] gave us the opportunity to put on an event that can really make a difference for emerging artists is something that I hope we can do again,” said Tecla Ciolfi, TATC editor and journalist.
Venus and the Snake Drummer, Tara Campbell. PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
“Even though there can only be one winner, I’m very keen to work closely with all the final five artists, even if it’s something small like helping them write a bio,” Ciolfi said.
According to BrotherBrother member and band manager, Theunis van der Merwe, it was a great honour to have been selected as the winning band of the inaugural competition.
“We were quite overwhelmed by the result and the support we have received,” said Van der Merwe. “Events like these grant us the possibility to showcase our music to these people [in the music industry] and these events are great platforms to learn from those with more experience.”
Roelof van der Merwe from BrotherBrother performing with guest Luzelle Avenant . PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
The competition’s MC, Jeandré Swanepoel, said he thought the win was well-deserved.
“From my side, I’ve seen the guys working hard and it really is a great moment for me as well – seeing them celebrating a bit of a win,” said Swanepoel.
Musicians should not be discouraged because the road to a sustainable music career is long, said Ciolfi, adding that there will be ups and downs. “The most important thing is to keep on going and not take your eye off the prize,” Ciolfi said.
The audience dancing to the live performances in the Visual Arts Department quad. PHOTO: Wilné van Rooyen
The Band or Bust finalists were Cistamatic (a multi-instrumentalist singer, Gabbi le Roux), Champion Trees (an alternative/indie rock band), Tallulah Gray (an alternative singer-songwriter), Venus and the Snake (hard rock band) and, BrotherBrother (multi-instrumental folk-acoustic trio).
– Wilné van Rooyen