Last May, YouthPaper featured up-and-coming hip-hop dancer Prince Leonard just after he walked away with gold from the Namibia Championship of Performing Arts.
A vibrant young man with a passion for dance and promoting talent, Leonard has taken it upon himself to help youth in his communities with a similar project.
Along with Caps Modelling Agency and Global Records, the youngster is hosting the first Talent Plus Namibia talent competition at the Katutura Youth Centre on Saturday from 17h00 until 20h00.
“We have a lot of talent in Namibia that is being neglected,” he says, adding that people are missing out. “Through your talent, you can make a living and be self-employed.”
Leonard mentions the aim of the showcase is to uplift art in the country and to educate the youth on the importance of utilising and developing artistry, in the hope it will reduce the unemployment rate.
“Some people are more focused on having degrees and diplomas, but at the same time throw their talents away,” Leonard says.
He adds that sometimes youngsters who don’t do well in school, or are not apt for academics, drop out of school and turn to a life of crime or poverty, instead of focusing on their skills.
He notes that Windhoek is one of the few places in the country where there are arts schools and thinks this should be spread out more in the rest of Namibia.
“We want to form spaces where people can develop their talent and make it affordable for a lot of people.”
Leonard’s dance skills are popular on social media as his fans feel he brings a fresh take to the dance scene. Facebook user, Rencio Tsamases posted on the dancer’s videos saying: “You guys are lit. Been a while since I’ve seen hip-hop dance in Namibia. Everybody just wants to do house.”
The competition will focus on singing, dancing, rapping and comedy and one winner from each category will be chosen to receive a sponsored studio recording with DJ Chronic Studios, radio interviews and a professional photoshoot for their own use.
Leonard plans to tour the country in search of talent across all regions and have a similar showdown in September.
To be part of the talent show, registration is open until 8 February. SMS your name and act to Leonard at 081 828 5660.
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