SA's Got Talent back for a smoking hot season

If you thought you could pigeonhole talent into specific categories, you clearly have not been watching the first two seasons of the country's most popular talent search show, South Africa's Got Talent (SAGT). We cannot promise you a repeat of the previous shows, but can guarantee you a full spectrum of new and outrageous talent when the third season premiers on Sunday, 7 September 2014 at 6.05pm on e.tv.

The nationwide pre-auditions have been completed and the talent is as diverse as expected ranging from singers, dancers, comedians, variety acts, and other mesmerising talents that are eager to win the R250,000 grand prize.

SA's Got Talent is proud to announce the introduction of two brand new judges: Lalla Hirayama and DJ Fresh who will join veteran media consultant Shado Twala on the judging panel, bringing their expertise and valuable experience to the table. The twosome replace musician Kabelo Mabalane and Ian Von Memerty who have been with the show for the past two seasons. Comedian Tats Nkonzo is retained as the host, adding his own flavour to the show's already exciting line-up.

Fans of the show can expect new approaches to judging, wacky acts, outstanding performances and the widest variety and talent show to his television.

The show has also found a new home at a world class venue, the Soweto Theatre in Dube in Soweto. However, only the finals will be held at the theatre.

According to Monde Twala, Group Head, e.tv Channels Division, "This is e.tv's flagship programme that has been receiving tremendous support from the South African public for two years. It is the kind of show that evokes emotions, excitement and pride in the caliber of talent that gets exposed."

From left: Tats Nkonzo, Lalla Hirayama, DJ Fresh and Shado Twala

About the Judges

DJ Fresh

World renowned house DJ, Thato 'Fresh" Sikwane is known for producing music that altered the house genre landscape in South Africa, bringing it into the mainstream music scene. After anchoring the YFM breakfast show for three years, Fresh joined 5Fm to present the Fresh Drive, which has since become one of the station's most popular shows.

He has also released an impressive collection of 24 house albums over a career spanning over two decades. He has shared the DJ booth with internationally renowned DJs such as: "Little Louie" Vega, Frankie Knuckles, Armand Van Helden, Paul Van Dyke, Oskido, Fat Boy Slim, Jazzy Jeff, Harley & Muscle, Ready D, and Kenny Gope Gonzales among others.

Lalla Hirayama

Lalla Hirayama is a Japanese-born South African dancer, actress, model and television presenter. The Junior Horse Riding Champ has taught hip hop, tap and modern dancing. She returned to South Africa in 2002 and got involved in Dance training.

In 2005 she started performing professionally as a back-up for the late Lebo Mathosa, Slikour, Relo, Skwatta Kamp, and featured in Unathi's and Loyiso's music videos. Not a stranger to e.tv, in 2011 she hosted the reality competition Tropika Island of Treasure. In 2013 she also came 2nd on the sixth season of the reality dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. Clearly not a stranger to talent, Lalla makes a perfect addition to the judging line-up.

Shado Twala

Shado has enjoyed 23 years as a radio broadcaster. Through her public profile, she has become a sought-after Programme Director and MC. Shado is a professional Consultant in arts and entertainment, where her skills are utilised in the development and facilitation of art projects, the identification of business opportunities for South African arts internationally and in cultural missions and trade shows in and outside of South Africa.

She is dubbed the 'sweet' judge, but don't let that fool you into thinking she does not seek the utmost best of each contestant. With her experience in the entertainment industry, she is well placed as the remaining original judge.

About the host

Tats Nkonzo

Comedian and guitarist, Tats Nkonzo has a unique brand of observational and arsenal humour that has helped establish him as a comic force to be reckoned with. With his intellect, Tats brings a special flavour to reality show hosting. He received the BlackBerry Breakthrough Act Award at the 2nd Annual South African Comics Choice Awards 2012.

About the show

In the first six episodes, viewers will experience the great, and not-so-great talent, SA has to showcase. These auditions form part of the nationwide search that took place to find SA's most talented individual. After these gruelling judging sessions, the semi-finalists are determined and face off against each other in live episodes which finally culminate into the finale.

After each semi-final, a special half-hour results show will reveal who goes through to the finale. Viewers will be glued to their screens as they cheer on their favourites and hope the judges agree with their decisions. The tenth and final episode will be a live broadcast comprising of six acts of which they will try to impress the judges to be crowned the SA's Got Talent winner for 2014.

Previous winners

Johnny Apple - 2013

Juan Appelgrein, aka Johnny Apple the 16 year-old singer from George took the top prize on SA's Got Talent 2013 are facing stiff competition. He sang Its Alright by Seal in the finale and proved to have the star quality. After winning the competition, Johnny Apple was scooped and signed by Sony Music, proving that SAGT creates stars for the country to admire.

Botlhale Boikanyo - 2012

Spoken word performer Botlhale Boikanyo (13) won with resounding support from the public and the media. The spunky teenager has gone on to perform on the world stage, proving that she possesses unique talent. She performed her poems at The Legacy of Hope Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital campaign in New York.

Follow SA's Got Talent on the following platforms:
Website: www.sasgottalent.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SAGT1
Twitter: @SAsGotTalent
#SAGT

Don't miss yet another installation of raw and undiluted talent exposed on the e.tv HD channel (channel 104) on OpenView HD. OpenView HD is available at leading retail stores.

OpenView HD

OpenView HD is a free digital satellite platform, powered by e.tv, which brings you a wonderful new world of entertainment - 18 new TV channels in digital quality. The decoder is available from all leading retailers from as little as R 849.00 (excludes dish/installation).

Follow OpenView HD on the following platforms:
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Twitter: twitter.com/openviewhd
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChp1aJkOrC3Abhu8zZOwljQ
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