Vodafone Ghana has unveiled a ground-breaking reality show ‘ICONS– Divas Edition’ in a quest to discover, groom and showcase Ghana’s first super girl-group. Females across Ghana, aged 18-30, will be invited to auditions and eventually compete for a grand prize that includes a major recording deal, cash and an exclusive performance at ‘020 live’, Vodafone Ghana’s annual music spectacular.

ICONS is the first show of its kind to target females and empower them to live their dream in a heavily male dominated music scene. It is often difficult for females in the music industry to breakthrough because they are not given the focus that is needed, to develop their careers.

‘‘Somewhere in Ghana, there are three special ladies who have always imagined how they would showcase their talent to the world. We will empower them to make their dream a reality and help them have careers long after ‘020 live’,” said Carmen Bruce-Annan, Head of Corporate Communications at Vodafone Ghana.

Apart from enjoying the musical talent that ICONS will discover, viewers will enjoy the ups and downs, laughter and tears, the surprises and twists that produce a great reality show. ICONS bring together a dynamic partnership between Vodafone Ghana, Storm 360 – producers of ‘Naija Sings’ and ‘Apprentice Africa’ – and Duke Banson – CEO, Paradise Entertainment.

Nkiru Asika, Director at Storm 360 said: “This is going to be the hottest show ever aired on Ghanaian television. As the foremost producer of television reality shows in West Africa, Storm has the expertise and the vision to bring true quality to the screen. The history of popular music cannot be told without iconic girl groups such as The Supremes, The Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child. Now, it’s Africa’s turn to give our divas a place on the world stage.”

Duke Banson, CEO of Paradise Entertainment, the management house to artistes including 4x4 and VIP said: “ICONS is going to transform the lives of three special ladies. The music industry is tough, especially for newcomers trying to establish themselves. We will coach and develop the girls and give them the focus, drive and exposure they need, for a long and successful career. We believe talent will not take you as far as ambition can”.

After nationwide auditions and a rigorous Bootcamp, the chosen Finalists will perform in weekly live shows competing for the ultimate prize - to be crowned the first winners of Icons: Divas Edition. Auditions will start in December across Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi and Tamale. ICONS will debut across major TV stations in Ghana and on pan-African cable networks in 2011.

The Group that wins Icons: Divas Edition will win a fabulous array of prizes including: GHC 20,000 cash to each Girl, a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the Group, a recording contract for the Group with Paradise Entertainment and a management deal with Duke Banson, a Samsung Galaxy for each Girl, Mobile phone with a year’s free subscription for each Girl, the runners-up will also receive cash gifts and other prizes.