Airtel, Trace & Akon on the hunt for Africa's music talent

By Elisha Kamau

Airtel, Trace and Akon on hunt for Africa's music talent

Airtel and Trace TV have today unveiled a unique mobile song competition dubbed “Airtel Trace Music Stars”. This becomes the first song contest of its kind that will provide an opportunity for Kenyan youth to compete with others across Africa by simply calling in a short code number.

The competition will allow participants an option to rehearse on a phone karaoke that scores the performance. Without having to stand in big long queues, all that participants have to do is Call, Sing and Win a chance to become the next big music star in Kenya and possibly across Africa and the world.   

With millions of viewers and the accolade of the Sunday Times Generation Next award for “coolest music channel”, TRACE Urban is the ideal partner for Airtel to not only reach to the youth market, but also create a platform for aspiring Kenyan singers to showcase their talent.  

Speaking at the launch event held at Zen Garden Nairobi, Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi said, “Airtel is passionate about creating credible platforms that celebrate and reward young, talented people. Kenya has got talent and we are pleased to be able to showcase the wealth of talent that exists within our country. It was a fitting choice for us to partner with Trace Music Star to empower, reward and celebrate the youth.”

The partnership kicked off on 25^th September with the launch of the Airtel Trace Music Star competition which will run until 4^th January 2015. The competition is only open to Airtel subscribers. Numbers ported to Airtel will also be eligible for entry.

The 6 best entries from Kenya will be selected by a panel of judges and will be announced on 4^th January 2015. The finalists will be promoted on TRACE urban and the Web. The public will vote for their favourite entry through a short code 33733 and the winner will be announced at a National Grand Finale event on 4^th January 2015. The Kenyan representative will then move on to the Pan African stage to compete with other African representatives for the ultimate prize.

“I am pleased to join Trace to develop innovative ways in which to identify and nurture dynamic music talent throughout the continent. The intersection between technology and artist development is elevated by the presence of this ground-breaking music competition concept,” stated Akon.

The grand finale will be held in March 2015. The partnership with TRACE Music Star will last three years.

Other prizes up for grabs in the competition include – cash prizes and mobile phones. 

The overall winner will walk away with a prize of 30 000 Euros in cash, a recording deal with Universal music, mentorship by AKON and a 5 star trip to New York City.