Airtel, a leading telecommunications service provider in Africa has announced that American singer and songwriter, Keri Hilson will mentor the winner of Airtel Trace Music Star (ATMS) Season 2.
The competition, claimed to be the biggest pan-African talent search competition, will see Niger join Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia as the newest African territory to enter the competition.
The best singing talent in each territory will be identified, rewarded and put in competition to run for the title of best African music talent.
To participate, contestants will need to call in a short code number with their mobile phones, record their songs to stand a chance to become the next big music star in Africa.
Contestants should check Airtel or TRACE’s website from February 1, 2016 for information about the competition. The grand finale will be held in Lagos, Nigeria in the second quarter of 2016.
The winner will not only be mentored by multi-award winning American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson in Atlanta but will also star in their own music video alongside the international singer.
The winner will also get an opportunity to record a duet with the “Knock You Down” songstress, as well as receive a signed contract with a major music label and worldwide media exposure through various TRACE’s platforms.
The 2015 edition of the competition was massive. The number of contestants surpassed European and American talent shows such as “The Voice” and “Idols” and saw over 2.3 million calls placed.
Mayunga was crowned winner of the 2015 edition. He won a record deal as well as promotion for a total value exceeding US$500,000 and a mentorship programme with Akon. His first track “Nice Couple” reached number 1 on all major radio and TV charts in his home country of Tanzania.
A few months ago, he was in Los Angeles with Akon to record his second single “Please Don’t Go Away” and shoot the music video.
The mobile phone-based ATMS talent search contest won the “Best Pan-African Initiative” accolade at the prestigious AfricaCom Awards held in Capetown, South Africa last year.
The competition is a collaboration between Airtel and TRACE, a leading urban and black entertainment group with activities in 180 countries.
