Performers join hands

THE PE Opera House has created a platform for local performers to showcase their talent through a programme called Yiyo Jamming Wednesday Night Out.

The programme, which starts at 6pm every Wednesday, gives a platform for artists to share their work and experiment with other artists through collaborations like a dancer meeting a praise singer.

Theatre producer Nobesuthu Rayi said the new platform was being used to "create a network for artists to get to know each other and collaborate and create work that is not your 'normal' creative works.

"This also helps us as the institution to identify talent and be able to market them outside Port Elizabeth."

She said that in future they hope to invite other theatres to come and experience a Nelson Mandela Bay theatre experience in its purest form.

One of the groups that has received exposure through this programme is a singing duo called Umle which is made up of Siyabonga Radu and Siphamandla Gufete.

Gufete said Yiyo has opened many doors for them.

"People know about our music. We have met a lot of different, talented artists from around Port Elizabeth. Through this project, we have also grown as artists," he said.

Poetic Soul Lelethu Mahembehlala, who is responsible for interviewing the guests, said she liked the interaction between the audience and the artists.

"The questions asked by the audience are helping the artists to grow. The conversation we usually have with our guests also motivates other people outside the art to do more for themselves," said Mahembehlala.

They do not only invite local artists but also businessmen and women like Mkhuseli Jack, Nosi Ncoyo and Laduma Ngxokolo. These visitors tell the audience about themselves and share a few tips on the running of successful businesses.

The show is being emceed by KQ FM's Zolile Mkhanzi, also known as DJ Zol.