Hansa reveals top six for Usher Raymond gig

The winners of the nationwide talent search are urban artists Mo and the Dark Knights from Gauteng, Busi M from the Western Cape, Shoelace from the Eastern Cape, Mapak'shop from the Northern Province, Mo Klaassik from the Free State, and Abdus from KwaZulu-Natal. They will all take to the stage at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 10 March as part of the Hansa Festival of Legends, serving as a precursor to multiple Grammy Award winner Usher Raymond.

Public vote on final six

"The six urban artists were selected out of 1500 entries from around the country by Hansa's team of Talent Search Ambassadors, who have been combing the country since November to identify the hottest local talent," said Hansa Pilsener's GM, Mosidi Seretlo. These were whittled down to 12 finalists through a rigourous selection process, from which members of the public could vote on the final six acts.

The crowd can expect to hear Mo and the Dark Knights' fusion of funk, kwaito, hip hop, rock and soul, songbird Busi M's jazz and dance beats, Shoelace's "pop rock with African elements, blues and soul", Mapak'shop 's Motswako hip hop rap, Mo Klassik's hip hop and afro pop with an R&B influence and Zulu rapper Abdus' lyrical rhymes.

Exposure on a national level

"The aim of the competition was to provide a platform for existing musicians to promote their art and get exposure on a national level, as well as mentoring from credible music industry business people," Seretlo said. Judges included Thabiso Khati, who has worked with artists ranging from Lucky Dube to L-Tido, local rap group Teargas and music mogul Zakes Bantwini.

Besides the main act of R&B superstar Usher, the Hansa Festival of Legends will feature performances from established musicians Gang of Instrumentals, Liquideep, Teargas and Zakes Bantwini with Oskido, Vigilante, Capital and DJ Tira on the decks.

Gates open at noon and the first act takes the stage at 12.30pm. No under-18s allowed.