Finalists from across the Province to go head-to-head in Mark My Words Competition
TWENTY wordsmiths from across the Province will battle it out in order to be crowned the ultimate winner of the Mark My Words Competition at the Northern Cape Theatre in Kimberley on Saturday.
The event is the brainchild of Kimberley-based artist and entertainer Mark Kotze, with the aim of unearthing and exposing the artistic and creative, as well as educational, talent of the finalists.
Kotze said they travelled across the Province to select the finalists.
“The finalists are from various parts of the Province. We started the selection competition in March. We travelled from town to town and chose the best performers from the towns we visited. There is a variety of word genres, as we have rappers, writers, poets and even motivational speakers. The aim of the competition is to showcase the creative use of words. Not all artists can be models, actors or painters but many are very talented writers and are very creative with words. If one can use words to alight an emotion, then that is an art.”
Kotze said the winner of the competition would get the opportunity to sharpen their craft under his mentorship.
“The winner will be getting an opportunity mentored by myself. I have in the past had so many requests for mentorship after I have published two books and been on the radio. However, I also wanted to reach those in rural parts of the Province and also afford them the same opportunity. It has taken me six years to get this project off the ground but the planning required time and diligence.”
He added that he hoped the competition would expand in the coming years.
“My aim is also to hand the baton to the winner who will hopefully in return use this platform to uplift others. I have managed to create job opportunities for local people through the planning of this competition. Hopefully, the winner comes out as a brand that will make strides and in return pull others to the same level.”
Kotze advised those who wish to attend the show that tickets are limited.
“Seats at the theatre are limited as we have to adhere to a certain number of spectators due to the Covid-19 regulations. We will ensure that all Covid-19 protocols are adhered to. Residents can purchase their tickets at Webtickets or contact 073 311 2575.”
