We hooked up with 'SA's Got Talent' judge Shado Twala at Cafe La Vida (self-service but with free chocolates) in Green Point and chatted against the backdrop of the new World Cup stadium.

Tashi: What's it been like for you watching the show on TV?
Shado: You know, absolutely amazing because, when we were were recording, you're kind of not sure what they're getting. The long days, sometimes you weren't lucky enough to find a talent and you see the show and think "Oh my goodness, this is what they've made of it all."

Also, because it was pre-recorded, you forget some of the acts and think "Wow, did I really say 'yes' to that?" or "How could I have said 'no' to that?"

So there were those that you said "No" to that you thought you shouldn't have?
Yes and some that I said yes to that I shouldn't have. It's been a lovely picture of what South Africans are doing. While we're all worried about the recession and all that, there are people who are living their dreams — for me that's been so exciting.

There are people playing in bands in their garages, groups practicing dances, a woman running round with her dog trying to get it do things — a woman with a snake!

Ha, yesss.
What was she thinking? It was just amazing to see all of them. I'm loving the fact that so many young people are dancing — I mean we had a beatboxer from Boksburg — I would never have thought, he's a beautiful boy.

Which act did you say no to that you think you shouldn't have?
I don't think you've seen them yet — I'm not going to tell you exactly but it's a dance act. In retrospect I should have said yes, like I think "What was wrong with me?" I think they get through though because Randall and Ian probably gave them the nod.

If you'd entered, what would you have done?
I would probably have tried to sing. *laughs*

Do you sing?
No I don't — in the shower I do. Maybe I would have done some poetry with music to it. *laughs*.

What is it about a contestant or an act that makes you the most emotional?
Their stories I think, mainly. Just them finding that within themselves which is, for me, it's finding the truth about themselves and believing in it.

I think all of us are searching for the same truth and some people just tap into it — when they find it — that's the thing that does it for me. Especially when people's lives aren't what they should be: when people are jobless or poor — being able to perform that which is God-given.

On page two, Shado talks about some of the more emotional experiences.