Finalists announced for ATKV-Crescendo's 2025 mentorship programme

After a week of deliberation, 20 finalists have been selected from this year’s entries to take part in this ATKV mentorship programme, which will take place in Paarl from 30 March to 6 April.

Participants had the option to submit their original songs online or take part in face-to-face auditions with ATKV-Crescendo’s talent scouts in areas such as the Garden Route, Klein Karoo, West Coast, Atlantis, and Worcester. Auditions in Namibia were conducted for the first time, leading to two finalists being selected.

Radio promoter and music producer Gershwin Koen, who assessed the digital entries alongside previous Crescendo finalists Olga Leonard and Deon Meiring of the band Glaskas, admitted that the selection process was not easy. “There is so much talent out there – inspiring songwriters, beautiful melodies and stunning voices.”

The following participants, listed alphabetically, have been selected for the mentorship programme:

Jo-Ann Albertus (32) from Wolseley, a human resources officer who has been dealing with stage fright for years.
Feliciano Arendse (aka Linzi), 43, is a music producer from Walvis Bay, inspired by artists such as Michael Jackson, Steven Spielberg, Danny Elfman and Spoegwolf.
Denryck Davids (aka Davy, the Drrrrrk), 26, from McGregor, a talented artist and admirer of the late poet Breyten Breytenbach.
Dalareese Davids (39) from Atlantis, a chemical plant operator inspired by Henoline Goedeman, Veronica Meyer, Die Lekker Crew and Pearl Adams, among others.
Frederico Fortuin (25) from Oudtshoorn, a musician with a passion for working with children.
Laniëlle Hartzenberg (aka LanieXpressed), 37, from Kuils River, an entrepreneur and business strategist who, as a spoken-word artist, feels honoured to be chosen for a music mentorship programme.
Jessica Hattingh (38), from Nelspruit, a businesswoman featured in a children's production called Ronnie die renoster.
Clive Horak (51) from Johannesburg, a researcher and developer for a rubber firm who confessed to being “a little bit moonstruck sometimes.”
Ethan Jacobs (28), a sales assistant from Atlantis, who is not only musical but also excels as a hip-hop dancer.
Jozua Joubert (aka Joubert), 41, a full-time musician from Nigel who, despite not being able to read sheet music, expertly performs music by ear.
Angela Kotze (26) from Calitzdorp, a guesthouse manager and owner who is renowned for devouring a full plate of nachos at an impressive speed.
Salvador Mouers (31) from Walvis Bay, a storeman who is also a passionate animal lover.
Phillip Murray (40) from Benoni, a teacher who has travelled the globe and visited 22 countries.
Tamryn Paulse (31) from Wellington, a pastor who is enthusiastic about how music resonates with and influences people’s hearts.
Mark Pekeur (21) from Paarl, a drama student who tells his story through music and theatre.
Krisché Plaatjies (19) from Atlantis, a musician who also enjoys practicing karate and playing netball for the Jaguars Netball Club in her spare time.
Felécia Pretorius (37) from Lydenburg/Steelpoort, a photographer and singer dedicated to spreading hope with her music.
Lizl Simoes (23) from Pretoria, a piano teacher finalising her master’s degree in music.
Carlo Theunissen (33) from Mossel Bay, a security officer with a big smile and an even bigger love for music.
Vincent van As Jnr. (aka Vanas Rain), 39, a creative spirit and mall manager from Centurion who is on the autism spectrum and experiences and expresses emotions most profoundly through music.

The mentorship programme consists of six days of rigorous training conducted by prominent figures in the Afrikaans music scene. Attendees gain musical guidance in melody and lyric crafting, along with support in branding, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

For example, radio promotor Gershwin Koen’s course includes practical tips on writing a radio-friendly song. “A song may be your favourite, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for radio,” he explains. Deon Meiring, another mentor in this year’s programme, says he loves working with those who are new to their musical journeys. “Having written songs for many years, I find it refreshing to see how a world of creativity opens up for Crescendo finalists with the proper guidance. It reminds me of the enchanting period when, as a high school learner, I first realized my talent for songwriting."

“ATKV-Crescendo is not a talent competition,” explains project manager Morné van Staden. “Our philosophy is that talent should not be used for competition against each other, but to support and empower other creatives. The program is purposefully crafted to provide finalists with the understanding, skills, mindset, and integrity necessary to launch their music careers effectively. Additionally, we strive to nurture talented songwriters who embody the variety within the Afrikaans music sector.”

Van Staden expresses excitement about the quality of entries received. “It’s also uplifting to observe the diversity among the entries and to note how individuals of various ages and careers from all over South Africa and Namibia seized the chance to participate. I look forward to watching people grow and sharing in their joy during the final concert later this year.

“It’s also heartening to see how diverse the entries were, and how people of different ages and professions from across South Africa and Namibia took the opportunity to enter. I am looking forward to the mentorship week – to see people grow, to see their joy, and to share in it during the concert which is held at the end of the programme.”

As part of the programme, participants occasionally need to complete challenges like writing a song in an hour. Musician and mentor Petronel Baard assures participants that the mentorship programme is a safe environment for such creative endeavours. “Everyone faces the same challenges. You are not alone. The entire process is designed to explore all aspects of the participants’ creativity and guide them in a direction that benefits both their music and careers. The person comes first, then the music.”

At the end of the week, a closing concert will be held where finalists perform their original songs with the ATKV-Crescendo Orchestra. From these 22 participants, a few candidates will be chosen to attend further mentorship programmes throughout the year and receive opportunities to perform in ATKV-Crescendo productions. Some of these finalists will also get the chance to record songs, albums, and even music videos.

HOW TO ENTER

Digital entries are open 24/7 throughout the year. Interested participants have until 12:00 PM on 31 December 2025 to submit their original song for ATKV-Crescendo 2026. Visit https://www.crescendo.org.za to upload your entry.
In-person auditions can also be arranged by contacting:
- West Coast auditions: Contact William Jacobs at williamjr.1@hotmail.com.
- Garden Route auditions: Contact Petronel Baard at petronel.baard@gmail.com.
- Interested parties from Namibia can contact Ike Adonis (aka Ixa) at ixaopimaixa@gmail.com if they prefer a personal audition.