ARTISTS WITH A PURPOSE
In 2017, COPPERSTONE launched the Talent Search South Africa competition, not only to provide emerging artists with a platform to showcase their talents but also to make a meaningful difference. The competition is designed to support talented individuals with the potential for commercial success and to help them break into the entertainment industry. Our aim is to guide contestants through a process of self-discovery, enabling them to recognise their interests and motivations in becoming exceptional in their chosen field.
We are committed to creating Artists with a Purpose. Talent Search SA is not just about uncovering South Africa’s freshest, undiscovered talent—it’s also about giving back to the community. We strive to help aspiring artists use their skills for positive change and to raise awareness of critical issues, including child safety, cancer, human rights, anti-bullying initiatives, and education. At COPPERSTONE, we firmly believe in treating others as we would like to be treated, living by our long-standing mantra: “doing well by doing good.” This philosophy is embedded in our core values and reflected in our engagement with charitable causes. Since the founding of COPPERSTONE, charity events and supporting NGOs and other worthwhile initiatives have been central to our mission.
Now, more than ever, the world needs talent to uplift and inspire—and we’re here to showcase it!
We foster a process of self-discovery, encouraging individuals to acknowledge their passions and aspirations in pursuit of excellence. Our tailored approach ensures that each participant receives personalised guidance, empowering them to maximise their strengths and achieve success in their field, all while providing essential tools for ongoing career development.
Throughout the competition, contestants take on various challenges, including organising charity drives, fundraising for important causes, designing and managing their own events or online performances, conducting marketing campaigns, and establishing themselves as a brand. They receive continuous support from remarkable established artists and industry professionals throughout the year.
Talent Search SA is not a reality show; it is a competition dedicated to shaping and refining emerging talent for a long-term career in the entertainment industry. A full year of intense effort, marketing strategies, charity initiatives, performances, eliminations, and masterclasses will serve to develop contestants’ skills in an increasingly competitive field.
The competition is fully inclusive—anyone is genuinely welcome to enter and showcase their talent. We are also the largest independent talent competition in the country. Not only do we encourage, educate, inspire, excite, and nurture potential while instilling strong work ethics and the importance of integrity, but we also offer incredible prizes to the winner! Prizes worth more than R100,000 are up for grabs, including luxury holidays, beauty and pampering packages, marketing tools, and an exclusive management and publicity contract.
Following the challenges brought about by COVID-19 and the immense pressure on artists, we sadly made the difficult decision to cancel the competition in 2021. We deeply appreciate every individual who joined us on this incredible journey. To our winners and the many talented performers we had the privilege of meeting along the way—your potential knows no bounds. The sky is the limit!
NOTHING GREAT COMES EASY
Music is a powerful way to engage with the world, capturing emotions, perspectives, and important issues. It has the ability to uplift and inspire, particularly when supporting vulnerable children. True success in the entertainment industry requires more than talent—it demands resilience, hard work, and sacrifice. Top performers dedicate years to refining their craft, proving that mastery comes through effort, not just natural ability. We take immense pride in our past winners and will continue to follow their journeys with admiration.
WINNERS
LEBO SEKHOTO (WINNER 2019)
The 2019 Talent Search SA winner is the super talented vocalist Lebo Sekhoto! After a nail-biting Finale at the beautiful Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre, Lebo proved to be an unstoppable force and clenched this year’s title.
Lebo’s first brush with music, at a very young age, was when she got the chance to sing for Lebo M. Even though she only sang the intro, being exposed to music in such a powerful way, “One By One”, fueled her passion for music.
A gentle soul, kind hearted person but with the spirit of a lion, her aspirations landed her in Switzerland where she began performing at banquets, and corporate events in and around Montreux.
Some of Lebo’s highlights in her career thus far includes being featured at the Montreux Jazz Festival for the Miriam Makeba tribute in the iconic Auditorium Stravinski in Switzerland, opening for The Narrow, featuring on “I Don’t Get it” (MiddleGround) that was picked up by Soul Candi and collaborating with a swing/jazz band (Jazz Company). She also opened the Huawei Kday. With her winning this year’s Talent Search SA title, there seems to be no stop to Lebo Sekhoto!
TONI MNGOMA (WINNER 2018)
For Toni Mngoma, the definition of a dream delayed is not a destiny denied. For as long as she can remember the only thing she’s ever wanted to do was stand in front of an audience and sing. And this soulful singer is showing no sign of giving up on that dream anytime soon. “My earliest memories of my singing aspirations, was during an innocent conversation with my mother. I was 4 years old when she asked me what I wanted to be in life. My confident response was “Brenda Fassie”, says Toni (29).
Toni’s debut single “Touch the Sky”, written and produced by Daniel Baron, made waves on radio stations in 2019 across the country. She is also becoming a force to be reckoned with as an MC and Corporate events performer.
Her favourite quote is: “Magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone. For when you let go of your fears, you automatically start operating from of place of love, power and sound mind”.
ABBOTT SKY (WINNERS 2017)
Our first Talent Search winners, Abbott Sky has been entertaining audiences for years now with their exuberant and thrilling live performances. Their incredible harmonies and ability to adapt to any crowd or occasion, makes them a crowd favourite at any event.
For both Rohan and Nidene education is very important. They both pushed through no matter the circumstances, continued to study, qualified and continued their dream of a music career with their best friend.
You can expect to see Rohan and Nidene performing live at various events and festivals, corporate functions and private parties across the country.
They have always believed in giving back to the community. For them it is part of something bigger than themselves- it is when you decide to give back to people in need in an unselfish way, and expect nothing in return.
COPPERSTONE 