Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent
Talent search show, Talented Africa is set to roar to life next month. A brainchild of Uganda-born artiste, Anthony Kabugo Nyanzi who is also a businessman, the competition is all about redefining the status quo of the continent’s arts sector.
From poets to musicians, the competition’s diverse judges will include Zimbabwean veteran poet Albert Nyathi and South African songstress Zahara. The host of the show will be Farai Pascal from Zimbabwe.
Through his company, International Music Africa Academy, Nyanzi has set aside R1 million for the competition’s winner.
The competition is expected to attract thousands of hopefuls from across 54 countries on the continent.
Speaking from his Kwazulu Natal base in South Africa, Nyanzi, a choreographer, singer and motivational speaker said the competition seeks to unearth different skills and talents among Africans while unifying them.
“Through this competition, we want the world and generations to come to receive Africa in a different way hence promoting unity among the African countries.
“Our aim is to unveil Africa in more than words through arts and cultural explosion. This is also to create a common bond where Africans share same emotions and ideas.”
He said the auditions will be held in four stages as per region.
“We’ll be starting our auditions on the fourth week of September. We’ll start with stage 1 in Uganda, stage two in Nigeria, stage three in Zimbabwe, and stage four in South Africa where we’ll also host the semi-finals and grand finale.
“We’re calling on people to register on the Talented Africa website and stand a chance to win 1 million Rand,” said Nyanzi.
“We’ll kick off with the regional open auditions and those that won’t be able to physically attend auditions due to Covid-19 will be free to do so online. From there, our judges will select the top 20 from every region who’ll qualify for the quarter-finals.
“After that, the top 10 will be shortlisted for semi-finals and top 5 for finals.”
Nyanzi said the competition will be aired on DStv.
“All the action will be aired on Honey Tv (DStv channel 173),” he said. — @mthabisi_mthire.
Online Reporter