Jazz maestro Selaelo Selota, pictured, believes that some of the Northern Cape's finest diamonds are yet to be discovered.

Selota has been spending time in the province polishing some musical gems in the Transnet Rising Starz Competition.

The competition, which started in May, aims to develop young musicians and give them a platform. The winner will be announced tomorrow at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley.

Some of the 11 finalists will perform with a live band in front of an audience for the first time. They will sing cover versions of songs by Judith Sephuma, Miriam Makeba and others.

Selota says they concentrated on the Northern Cape because the province "has been overlooked when it comes to music competitions".

Since Selota started working with the young musicians four months ago, he has discovered some rough diamonds, he says.

"We found talented young people who are frustrated by being sidelined," he says.

"Most have given up because they think they will never get the opportunity to show off their talent. By hosting auditions in areas such as Calvinia, Springbok and Kuruman, we proved that anything is possible."

The winner will pocket R60000 in cash and Selota says they are looking for a versatile singer with a wow-factor. As part of the talent search, the wannabe stars have gone through workshops that exposed them to live performances and contracts.

"I took them to a real studio and exposed them to an environment where they learnt to compose and produce music."

The winner will be assisted with a recording by Selota.

bambalelep@sowetan.co.za