Airtel Africa launches The Voice Africa singing competition |24 October 2022
The virtual launch ceremony in Seychelles
- An opportunity for local talents to be recognised
Seven lucky singing talents from Seychelles will soon be battling it out against each other and competitors from 13 other African countries in Nigeria, to become the voice of Africa.
The opportunity of a lifetime comes through the launch of The Voice Africa singing competition, officially launched by Airtel Africa, and Airtel Seychelles, on Wednesday last week.
The Voice is a hugely popular music and entertainment show globally, airing in over 180 countries. Based off the success of The Voice Nigeria, Airtel Africa is partnering with the executive producers of the latest seasons, seasons three and four, FAME Studios Africa, to roll out the concept in African markets where Airtel is present.
While the show is aired in different countries with each holding their own versions, The Voice Africa is the first to group together competitors across different countries, spanning francophone countries, as well as islands states to compete for one title. As noted by vice-president of communications and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at Airtel Africa, Emeka Oparah, the diversity in nationalities, cultures, languages and musical genres across the continent makes the show unique, and one which will be most entertaining to audiences.
During the launch ceremony which was held physically in Nigeria, and streamed virtually to the other 13 countries, namely Seychelles, Niger, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Madagascar, the Republic of Congo, Chad, Rwanda, Gabon, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the chief executive of Airtel Africa Segun Ogunsanya highlighted Airtel’s commitment towards discovering and promoting young African talents, while also uniting the continent.
The Voice Africa Season 1 is open to individuals from selected African countries who are above 18 years old.
The programme will be launched in two phases, the first of which is at country-level whereby applicants are to submit a one-minute video of themselves singing onto the online platformwww.thevoice.africa. Of them, seven, the best voices, are to be selected to represent Seychelles in the live shows which will be held in Nigeria in December. The seven talents who will represent the country on the big stage will be chosen by a dedicated team from FAME Studios Africa, who will be arriving in December to make the selection from the entries from blind auditions.
Asides from the opportunity to go to Nigeria for the live shows, the seven competitors from each country will also be awarded US $5,000.
In Nigeria, the singers will receive coaching, and will compete against seven competitors from each of the participating countries in blind as well as live auditions, and the battles.
The ultimate winner will win US $100,000, as well as a music contract.
Interested persons have three weeks to register and send in their videos. They have up until November 10 to do so.
During the launch, commercial director of Airtel Seychelles, Saadatou Chekou Kore, noted that the opportunity is one which will lead to local talents being recognised on a major platform, with competitors and winners having a gateway to fame and success.
“We encourage all Seychellois who have a talent in music, and who love music to participate. It is a big opportunity to access the biggest coaches and mentors in Africa, and can get a chance to become known all across Africa,” Ms Kore noted.
Brand and market communications manager for Airtel Seychelles, Jude Valmont, noted that it is important that applicants hoping to have a chance for the title must have a registered Airtel SIM card, as they will be notified by SMS of their selection.
