Bulawayo Got Talent winner dreams big

Michael Makatini, the Season One winner of the Bulawayo Got Talent (BGT) competition, has set his sights on the grandest stages of the entertainment world – America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent.

The versatile artiste, eager to push the boundaries of his craft, is determined to make a name for himself in the competitive entertainment industry where amateur performers present their singing, dancing, comedy and novelty acts to celebrity judges.

“I can’t believe I won the BGT competition, but I’m incredibly grateful to the talented visionaries behind this initiative – Imran Pac and YP Angel. My ultimate dream is to appear on America’s Got Talent or Britain’s Got Talent,” Makatini expressed.
For his BGT victory, Makatini received a US$500 cash prize, an all-expenses-paid trip to the majestic Victoria Falls and a coveted recording contract.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Makatini credited his school choir director for discovering his talent and steering him toward professional training.

“I started singing in the Nleya High School choir in 2016 while in Form One. I completed my studies in 2019, though financial constraints prevented me from sitting for my O-level exams. It was Mr Mlibazi, my choir teacher, who first recognised my talent and introduced me to Khaliphile Sibanda, a renowned singer who mentored me in opera and acting,” Makatini shared.

This early mentorship helped Makatini transition from school choir performances to larger, professional productions, where he appeared in well-known stage plays such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music.

“My inspiration is Khaliphile Sibanda, whose guidance shaped my development in both singing and acting,” he added.
With the prize of a recording contract now in hand, Makatini is poised to release his own music and further establish himself as an artiste. “Although I haven’t released any projects yet, I’m ready to go into the studio and create. I hope that with my success,

I can support other artistes in the future. I’ve come to realise that the City of Queens and Kings (Bulawayo) has an abundance of young talent,” Makatini concluded.

As he prepares for the next phase of his career, it is clear that his talent, combined with the opportunities presented by his recent win, positions him for a promising future in the entertainment industry.