A Retreat mother and son who share the same passion for music and singing walked away as the overall winners of the inaugural season of Stand-Up South Africa competition
Bianca and Branden MacMaster, who competed against 32 other performing acts and were selected from over 6 000 entries, walked away with R100 000 in prize money.
The contest was aired on SABC2 and hosted by media personality Dineo Langa while the judges were Lorcia Cooper Khumalo, Kelly Khumalo and Kurt Darren, all influential actors and musicians who have significantly contributed to the South African performing arts industry.
The pair, who says they have grown closer since the competition, never thought they would win.
“We genuinely thought the top three was going to be the end of our journey on Stand Up.
“But once we were announced as the winners of Stand Up South Africa, we were both overcome with emotion and we both ended up in tears. It was a bitter-sweet moment because yes, we won, but we won’t get to spend time with the contestants who basically became like family to us,” said Branden.
Both say their love for singing started early on.
“Branden and I have been singing together since he was 16, I was about 32 years of age back then.
“My love for singing started when I was five, there was always music in our household growing up,” said Bianca.
Branden added: “Well, my love for singing started when I was about nine years old watching musicals and singing along to them were the best moments of my childhood.”
Mother and son just happened to hear about the Stand-Up singing competition through a neighbour.
“A neighbour actually approached us and told us about it, we were a bit reluctant at first, but it turned out to be such an amazing experience, besides my son and I growing closer, we also met amazingly talented people.”
Winning the competition is just the beginning for the pair who has also performed at events alongside Jarrad Ricketts.
“We’re still continuing as a duo, and we’ve done a few events and with the likes of Jarrad Ricketts and Jonathan Rubain.
“But Branden wants to pursue a career in the arts doing musical theatre, and hopefully get into a school in New York City.”
Branden is currently studying Electrical Engineering at False Bay College while Bianca is a full time vocalist.
“Before my son and I sang together I was a solo artist, so when the time comes that we’d have to go our separate ways I’d continue my solo journey. “Although I’d like my son by my side I know he has dreams of his own, and I’d like to support that.”
Their advice to other hopefuls out there: “No matter what people might say or think about you, keep singing your own song, always be authentic, and being authentic is when you say and do things you actually believe in.”
