'Bricks' Tshole Steals The MAD Show

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Monday November 1, 2010 00:00

 

It was absolute madness of various genres of performing arts at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) last Friday when the three categories of seniors, juniors and teens - as the MAD competition is divided - staged sizzling performances of poetry, singing, instrumentals and dance.

A mad whirl of pleasure indeed as 18 solo and group performers gave the talent show their all from day one to the final presentation; which could be a huge decisive moment in shaping their entertainment careers.

Over the past years MAD has played an invaluable role in shaping and reshaping the Botswana entertainment scene.  Making it to the venue in grand style in MAD-branded vehicles, courtesy of Barlow World, the night's talent walked the red carpet to deliver the best of their entertaining prowess.  Once again, if you doubt the phenomenal talent that this country possesses you had better be part of the MAD grand finale to erase your doubts.

Oitsile 'Bricks' Tshole, whose main inspiration is the legendary 'King of pop' Michael Jackson, became the viewers' choice performer.

With MJ's famous signature dance move, Moonwalk, Bricks, whose interest in dance started at primary school, did the dance justice, and appeared a true replica - movement-wise that is, of the black man who died white. 

Peach Kereemang, who often got the womenfolk eating out of his hand at the preliminary stage of the song and well-known figure in the entertainment circles having appeared in My Star talent search, was Bricks' runner-up in the Seniors' category.

Bakgafela, a very creative tradition dance group that has done exceptionally well in its stage performances despite being fairly new, won the Teens' category, with Jika Jive coming second.  The group was formed in March this year. 

In the Juniors' category, young Shanaya twisted and turned into a pretzel not for a spot in the grand finale like she artistically did throughout the other legs of the competition, but to take a lead in that category. She did it so beautifully and showed much maturity for a seven-year-old.  Junior Skycosite - a dancing group of three - followed.

Judges' choice awards went to Jika Jive, Kago Goveya and Lebogang Montshiwa.  Still at the night of performances, 15 previous participants in the show were honoured, namely KAST, Kennedy Thal, Eskimos, Daniel Taric, Racheal 'Spurt' Manda, Samatha Mogwe, Naledi Thabakgolo, Matthews Matsetse, Vivien Dakpo, Nono Siile, Boitumelo Pilane, Ntireleng Berman, Rosemarie Hamoir, Amanandos and Moonga Kapambwe. 

Guest performer, Vicky Sampson closed the show with her My African Dream after the dream was showcased to multitudes of people who had thronged GICC.