Tecno Mobile, in association with Mnet’s Africa magic, has announced the Tecno Own the Stage Karaoke competition, which sees talented karaoke singers from across the continent battling it out for a prize pool of $50,000 and an opportunity to record a song and go on tour with a popular music artiste.
Over the next three months, 15 contestants will be drawn from Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania. Five from each country will contest via a number of themed challenges with one person ultimately emerging as Africa’s first karaoke champion.
Speaking at a press briefing, Oye Akindeinde, general manager, Mobile Apps, Tecno Mobile, said: “Africa is brimming with love and undeniable talent for music; there are a lot of people who, given the opportunity, will showcase to the rest of the world what they are capable of. The Tecno own the stage competition gives them the opportunity and platform to do just that.”
Head of Public Relations for M-Net West Africa and Africa Magic, Efosa Aiyevbomwan, said: “Africa Magic is renowned as the leading provider of world class local content for African and global audiences, and also as the leading investor in entertainment across Africa. We are delighted to partner with Tecno in bringing the Own the Stage competition to screens across Africa. Our channels, original productions and exclusive shows continue to not only highlight and showcase the best African entertainment content, but also continue to serve as platforms for discovery of exciting African talent.”
Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI was announced as the lead judge of the competition and will be joined by Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade and Bien, a member of the African music group Sauti Sol.
Also speaking at the press conference, MI said “the Tecno Own the Stage competition is an exciting development for talented and prospective singers from Across Africa. Karaoke as a form of entertainment has been around for as long as the practice of recording music itself. There are a lot of talented individuals who have been waiting for an opportunity, but also a platform and benefitting prizes to go with it. I am extremely proud to be a part of the platform that encourages and promotes African talent.”
To enter the competition, prospective contestants have to visit the Tecno Own the Stage website and select a track from the available track list, record a karaoke rendition and upload via the submission form online. The uploaded track will then be subjected to a review by the judges who have to select the top entries and selected candidates will be notified directly. Qualified entrants will then have to go through an audition phase to get an opportunity to perform their craft, televised on Mnet’s Africa Magic.
When asked why contestants would only be picked from the three chosen countries, Akindeinde stated that this was only the first of many and that Tecno plans to continue expanding to other African countries in subsequent seasons of the show.
JUMOKE AKIYODE
