Not even a global pandemic has been able to stop Africa’s amazing voices from being heard. Season two of Old Mutual Amazing Voices singing competition is on its way to TV screens across Africa from 11 April 2021.
Since the launch of season two last year, when 546 entries flooded in for the audition phase, in which the top 10 acapella groups from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa will be selected to experience the gruelling judging process as they display their passion and determination competing for the whopping US$ 100 000 grand prize.
It all began in October 2020, when all entrants submitted online videos. After an initial screening process, Africa’s top unsigned talent attended closed auditions before celebrity selectors in their home countries.
The in-country selectors and assistants included :
- Nigeria: E-Kelly/Aramide
- Ghana: Pauline Odduro / Reggie Rockstone
- Kenya: Sanapei Tande / Ted Josiah
- Zimbabwe: Thembalami Tagwire / Misred
- South Africa: Buhlebendalo Mda / Morena Sefatsa
The top 10 groups, two from each country, will then set out for South Africa were they will undergo an intense musical, educational, and inspirational bootcamp at Sun City.
During an intense three weeks, while living in a COVID-19 bubble, the groups, of four, six and eight members, are put through their paces as they prepare for the final phase sing-off by having their vocal and performance abilities perfected by a team of experts. Their journey to stardom will be closely monitored by the experienced judging table from each of the countries and supported by the show advisor Zwai Bala. The talented judges table includes:
- Zimbabwe’s afro-pop and RnB singer/songwriter, Ammara Brown
- Kenya’s Filah Tuju, renowned as a performer, voice coach, writer and producer and founder of a Music Academy
- Ghana’s Trigmatic, a multi-award winner rapper, composer and songwriter
- South Africa’s Vusi Nova, the best afro album and best male awards winner.
- Nigeria’s Evelle, a previous Nigeria Idols winner, singer and collaborator
All the drama and the build-up of one of Africa’s premier musical shows will be shared with a pan-African TV audience when Amazing Voices season two launches on Sunday, 11 April 2021:
- Simulcast on Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu in South Africa at 17:00
- Zambezi Magic in Zimbabwe at 17:00
- Africa Magic in Ghana at 15:00
- Maisha Magic East in Kenya at 18:00
- Africa Magic in Nigeria at 16:00
“Music is universal language and passion for millions of Africans. As one of Africa’s most respected brands, Old Mutual has, for many years, championed positive futures for all our stakeholders. One of the sectors benefitting from Old Mutual’s ongoing support is musicians and performers. We encourage them to learn career management skills as well as the personal financial skills they need to survive and succeed in a highly competitive business,” says Thobile Tshabalala, Head of Brand at Old Mutual.
On her part, Mrs. Rita Boateng, Head of Marketing, Old Mutual Ghana said “Ghanaians should expect an amazing season of awesome performances by all the contestants. Follow every stage of the season on TV and online, and don’t forget to vote for the Ghanaian contestants. This year, we are bringing the cheque home”.
Follow Old Mutual’s social media platforms or go to oldmutual.co.za/amazingvoices for exciting behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive content.
Nigeria entered 130 groups. Ghana entered 26 groups. Kenya entered 72 groups. Zimbabwe entered 66 groups. South Africa entered 252 groups.
