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TRACE
Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Olivier Laouchez (first from left) and Airtel Marketing Director Charles Wanjohi (second from left) present a cheque an
iPhone 6 Plus to Benjamin Webi, the winner of the Airtel TRACE Music Star Kenya
edition. Also in the photo is Rachelle Siago of BCLB (first from right) and Wanjira Longauer of Capital Fm (Second from right).
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Bharti Airtel in conjunction with Trace
International has crowned Benjamin Webi as the winner of the Airtel
TRACE Music Star competition, Kenya edition.
The song competition which started on 5th
October 2014 is the first of its kind that gave an opportunity for thousands of
Kenyan youth to compete by simply calling in a short code number to submit
their entries.
The fiercely contested finale, which
garnered a record viewership, saw Phyllis Mwihaki come in at a close second
with Trina Mungai bagging the third position.
Benjamin Webi took home the first prize of over
Kshs 2.7 million (Euro 25,000) in cash and an iPhone 6 Plus, while Phyllis who
came in at a close second took home Kshs. 100,000 and an iPhone 6 Plus. Trina
Mungai wrapped up the top three with a cash prize of Kshs. 50,000 and an iPhone
6.
With the win, Webi now gets a special ticket to
represent Kenya against other contestants from 12 countries presence (Kenya,
Tanzania, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Burkina
Faso, Chad, Congo B, DRC, Gabon) in the Airtel TRACE Music Star Pan African
competition which is set to take place in March this year. The opportunity
gives him a chance to compete for the overall grand prize which comprises
of a recording deal with Kon Live, a distributed label through Universal Music
Group, and an intense mentorship Programme with Akon in the United States of
America.
While expressing his excitement, Webi said, “When
I saw the Airtel TRACE Music Star competition advert on TV, I didn’t hesitate
to enter. I didn’t expect to get to this level knowing that it would be that
competitive but thanks to the judges, thousands of Kenyans who voted for me, I
made it; I am the first winner of the Airtel TRACE Music Star Kenya edition.
“I cannot wait to get to the next level, the Airtel
TRACE Music Star Pan-African competition. This will be about competing with
different talented youth from 12 different African countries, giving it my best
with the hope of becoming the winner to clinch the recording deal. I am super
excited about this opportunity. One thing is for sure, I will not disappoint
the thousands of fans who voted and believed in me, I will not disappoint you.
I intend to put my win to good use and conquer the Pan-African competition,” he
added.
While congratulating Webi and the six finalists
for their hard work, Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi said, “Airtel TRACE
Music Star is all about making dreams come true and giving aspiring stars a
chance to shine! At Airtel, we are passionate about creating credible platforms
that celebrate and reward young talented people. We would like to thank TRACE
TV for their support that enabled us to showcase the wealth of talent that
exists within our country. The fans voted, the judges loved him and the
audience applauded! Congratulations to Webi and we wish him the very best
in the next level."
On his part, TRACE Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO
Olivier Laouchez said: “First of all, I want to thank all contestants because
even though there is one winner, Kenya won tonight. The talent of music in this
country is amazing. I am really and extremely happy with the quality of this
competition! Congratulations to all the finalists. Thanks to Airtel and all the
partners who made this happen.”
The Pan-African competitions will be held in March
this year where the overall winner will walk away with a prize of 30, 000
Euros, a recording deal with Kon Live, a distributed label through Universal
Music Group, and an intense mentorship Programme with Akon in the United States
of America.
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