For many years Zimbabwean’s have been longing to have internationally recognized TV format shows such as The Voice, Got Talent and Idol’s operational in the country.
However, due to the cost implications and having one television station in existence, getting the wait has been stretched and for many, hope was fading.
Fortunately, the long wait is over, the heavens have responded to the cries of many Zimbabweans as DStv has come up with a new platform which will see groups from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana and Kenya battle for a staggering US$100 000.
Dubbed ‘Old Mutual Amazing Voices’, the show will focus on musical groups in three specific genres, gospel, pop and rhythm and blues.
“This is a multi-country singing competition with contestants sourced in nine African cities, including Harare, Bulawayo, Accra, Kumasi, Mombasa, Nairobi, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg,” said MultiChoice Zimbabwe, publicity and public relations manager, Liz Dziva.
The show will premiere on DStv in January and will have a run of 13 weeks, ending in April.
“The show will seek out unsigned musical groups made up of between four and eight members each of a minimum age of 18, whose basic requirement will be to have amazing voices.
The participants will be chosen by celebrity selectors from each of the four countries, who will select three participatory groups from each genre after mass auditions.”
When it starts running, the show will feature the mass auditions in home countries, thereafter following the shortlisted groups as they advance to elimination stage, also hosted in the home countries. After the elimination phase, three groups in each genre will advance to the grand stage in Johannesburg, where they will sing to win the main prize.
“We are delighted that Old Mutual is the title sponsor of a show that will bring Africa together in a unique and uplifting way,” added Dziva.
Auditions for Zimbabwe will be held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo on October 15 and at the Monomotapa Hotel in Harare on October 18 from 8am to 3pm.
Amazing Voices will be broadcast on Zambezi Magic, Africa Magic, Mzansi Magic and other channels.
Registration for the auditions is under way and can be undertaken online at https://africamagic.dstv.com/show/old-mutual-amazing-voices
