Building on the success of The Voice Nigeria, Airtel Africa Plc is teaming up with FAME Studios Africa to sponsor The Voice Africa’s debut season.
The leading telecommunications and mobile money services provider explained at a high-profile event in Lagos on Wednesday that it was throwing its weight behind the music talent hunt show to give budding artists in all 14 Airtel Africa markets a platform to showcase their skills.
Airtel sponsored seasons three and four of The Voice Nigeria and decided to expand its reach by including other African countries. The call for virtual auditions for The Voice Africa began today, Wednesday, October 19, 2022, and will be followed by live auditions later this year. The show will premiere in March 2023, with the grand finale following later that year.
The Voice is the world’s most popular competition format music and entertainment show, airing in over 180 countries.
At today’s event, it was announced that The Voice Africa would be made available to millions of Africans through Airtel TV, free-to-air stations (FTAs), and paid channels in 14 African countries.
It is expected to attract and showcase the best African musical talents and serve as a springboard for global recognition, thanks to a high-profile panel of coaches and TV hosts.
Seven people from each of the 14 countries will be chosen to compete in the show, with one of them eventually being crowned The Voice Africa.
“As a business, we are driven by the purpose to transform lives, which means unlocking the potential for people to grow.
“The Voice Africa gives us an incredible platform to help discover and champion the musical talents of young Africans, enabling them to achieve their full potential. I believe the drama and excitement around their stunning performances will unite people across the continent,” the group chief executive officer of Airtel Africa, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, said.
Speaking further, he said, “Our musical landscape is culturally rich, vibrant, and dynamic, and the rhythms of Africa are already making a massive impact globally.
“There is a huge opportunity for African music to be exported on a scale larger than ever before, and The Voice Africa has come to empower our young talent and help them fulfil their ambitions. Airtel Africa is facilitating the emergence of successful musicians who can compete with their peers from anywhere in the world.”
The Voice Africa is the latest initiative from Airtel Africa designed to support the continent’s most valuable asset by far: young Africans.
Over the years, Airtel Africa has sponsored MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), the Zain Africa Challenge, which brought university students together in a quiz contest, and the Airtel Rising Stars, a football tournament for Under-15 boys and girls.
“Airtel Africa has always believed in Africa and will always do so,” Mr Ogunsanya continued. “As the continent with the youngest population worldwide – some 50% – harnessing their creativity, talent and energy could be transformational for Africa. Through The Voice Africa, Airtel Africa provides a platform for Africa’s youth to showcase their talent and be the best they can be. The future of Africa is bright. The future of Africa is now.”
Airtel Africa and The Voice’s innovative partnership will drive excitement for fans through on-air customized content integrations, digital and social media activations and in-country events.
