M-Net brings "Idols" to West Africa

Accra, Dec. 4, GNA - M-Net is set to create and screen a West African version of what it's reality show, 91Idols', Mr Joseph Hundah, Director of Operations, M-Net, announced at a press conference on Monday.

'Idols West Africa', which is being produced for M-Net by Pan African Entertainment, a Nigerian entertainment industry and the internationally renowned Fremantle Media, originators of the 91Idols' concept would search for a solo singing personality, who would perhaps win a prestigious recording contract.

Mr Hundah said though the ultimate prize for the winner had not been concluded; it was likely to be an international recording deal in the United States or the United Kingdom.

=91Idol West Africa' is open to any person between the ages of 18 years and 30 years and resident in a West African country. Ghana; Benin; Burkina Faso; Cape Verde; Cote d'Ivoire; Gambia; Guinea-Bissau; Liberia; Mali; Niger; Nigeria; Saint Helena; Senegal; Sierra Leone and Togo, were countries Mr Hundah mentioned as eligible to participate in 91Idols West Africa'.

He said four auditions would be held on January 6 2207 in Lagos; January 15, in Abuja; January 20 in Accra and January 26 in Calabar. During the audition phase, entrants could sing from a wide spectrum of music including traditional; Western; English; Nigerian; African; Pop; Reggae and Rock, Mr Hundah said but was quick to add that 'Idols' entrants should note that the show was looking for a pop star.

"If a contestant is selected to proceed into theatre, they must be able to sing in Pop, in the English language."

He said entrants should not have an existing recording contract of any kind since they were looking out for new talents, urging contestants that the audition would operate on a first come first serve basis with the first 1,500 guaranteed an audition.

"Importantly, contestants should remember that they get one chance to perform, one chance to make an impression and one chance to succeed." Mr Hundah said M-Net would reveal the names of show presenters and judges early next year, hinting that out of the three judges to be selected for the show, one would be a Ghanaian.

"Judges should have a reputable music experience or be a person involved in the music industry and with the Ghanaian preferably being a woman."

Mr Hundah said: "Wherever you go in West Africa, there are songs in the air, voices in harmony, a radio humming, a rhythm being created. That is what Idols is about, singing, moving, feeling, with West Africa offering large television audiences to M-Net. It is fitting that we create an 'Idols' here."