Rafsanjan Abbey Tatya
7 December 2007
Think you could in future headline sold-out concerts, rock stadiums and launch platinum albums? Then look no more and just visit www.mnetafrica.com.
M-Net Africa has launched what they have dubbed, "M-Net's biggest season of Idols ever." The PRO Multi-choice Uganda, Ms Helena Mayanja said during a press conference held at Sheraton Hotel on Monday that the reality TV show search will go to seven cities in seven different countries.
Open to persons between 18 and 27 years of age, the new season is coming to Uganda as well as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe early in 2008. The competition is also open to citizens of Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia and Swaziland.
"Entrants from the eligible countries who meet the requirements and are determined to be stars can audition at any of the 7 audition cities," read a press statement.
In each country, Idols will hold one "make-or break" audition session. "It's also their big chance to win an international recording contract," according to the press statement. Aspirants just have to keep their vocal cords in great shape, dress to impress and get to an audition centre.
Outstanding aspirants will head straight into the next round and possibly to the Top Ten stage. However, would-be entrants are not supposed to have an existing recording contract of any kind.
During the audition phase, entrants will be allowed to sing from Traditional to Western, English, African, Pop, Reggae, R &B and rock music, though they have to remember that the show is looking for a Pop Idol. M-Net Director of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Joseph Hundah is ambitious about Idols.
"M-Net recently completed Idols in West Africa and season 4 of Idols SA is about to end," he said, adding that, "M-Net wanted this show to tap the talent of East and Southern Africa while celebrating home-grown stars for local audiences." Meanwhile, Multi-choice has announced that they are also searching for a presenter and the all-important judges for the show.
Produced for M-Net by Waterfront Television in association with Fremantle Media, Idols auditions begin in February before the series debuts on M-Net in April 2008. The show's home (theatre stage) will be Nairobi.
And as usual, voting audiences will determine the outcome of the group and spectacular stages. The show will be available to DStv subscribers on Channel 198.
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