SA’s Got Talent is proud to announce the introduction of two brand new judges: Lalla Hirayama and DJ Fresh who will join veteran media consultant Shado Twala on the judging panel, bringing their expertise and valuable experience to the table. The twosome replace musician Kabelo Mabalane and Ian Von Memerty who have been with the show for the past two seasons. Comedian Tats Nkonzo is retained as the host, adding his own flavour to the show’s already exciting line-up.
About the host
Tats Nkonzo
Comedian and guitarist, Tats Nkonzo has a unique brand of observational and arsenal humour that has helped establish him as a comic force to be reckoned with. With his intellect, Tats brings a special flavour to reality show hosting. He received the BlackBerry Breakthrough Act Award at the 2nd Annual South African Comics Choice Awards 2012.
About The Judges
Shado Twala
Shado has enjoyed 23 years as a radio broadcaster. Through her public profile, she has become a sought-after Programme Director and MC. Shado is a professional Consultant in arts and entertainment, where her skills are utilised in the development and facilitation of art projects, the identification of business opportunities for South African arts internationally and in cultural missions and trade shows in and outside of South Africa.
She is dubbed the ‘sweet’ judge, but don’t let that fool you into thinking she does not seek the utmost best of each contestant. With her experience in the entertainment industry, she is well placed as the remaining original judge.
DJ Fresh
World renowned house DJ, Thato ‘Fresh” Sikwane is known for producing music that altered the house genre landscape in South Africa, bringing it into the mainstream music scene. After anchoring the YFM breakfast show for three years, Fresh joined 5Fm to present the Fresh Drive, which has since become one of the station’s most popular shows.
He has also released an impressive collection of 24 house albums over a career spanning over two decades. He has shared the DJ booth with internationally renowned DJs such as: “Little Louie” Vega, Frankie Knuckles, Armand Van Helden, Paul Van Dyke, Oskido, Fat Boy Slim, Jazzy Jeff, Harley & Muscle, Ready D, and Kenny Gope Gonzales among others.
Lalla Hirayama
Lalla Hirayama is a Japanese-born South African dancer, actress, model and television presenter. The Junior Horse Riding Champ has taught hip hop, tap and modern dancing. She returned to South Africa in 2002 and got involved in Dance training.
In 2005 she started performing professionally as a back-up for the late Lebo Mathosa, Slikour, Relo, Skwatta Kamp, and featured in Unathi’s and Loyiso’s music videos. Not a stranger to e.tv, in 2011 she hosted the reality competition Tropika Island of Treasure. In 2013 she also came 2nd on the sixth season of the reality dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. Clearly not a stranger to talent, Lalla makes a perfect addition to the judging line-up.
Catch the outrageous talent when the third season premiers on Sunday, 7 September 2014 at 6:05PM on e.tv.
