The much revered reality tv -'pop' star idols talent search programme will be coming to Nairobi Kenya in 2008.This heralds exciting good news to most upcoming and talented musicians within the East and Southern Africa region between the age of 18 & 27.The succesful winner will have an opportunity to sign up a recording deal with a reputable record company and as a side benefit be propelled to international fame.
This is good news especially since the entertainment industry in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania(as evidenced in EATV Channel 5 shows) has become vibrant and lucrative.Kenya has also shown its capacity to host such an event after succesfully hosting the local Tusker Project Fame talent search competition ,although the same didnt miss allegations of bias eschewed againt other East African participants by the local judges.
Internationally the show has been the launching pad for several succesful musicians including Kelly Clarkson(signed a mutli million dollar deal with RCA records),Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood,Chris Daughtry,Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks,Jordin Sparks,Girls Aloud(U.K) group,Willy Young, Heinz Winckler (SA),Karin Kortje(SA) Dewald Louw(SA)Jody Williams(SA) Peter Evrard(Belgium) etc...among many others.
Originally the show debutted on ITV in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2001 with viewer participation and voting on which singer should be retained.The success of the show resulted in the concept being exported to other countries such as the U.S in June 2002,Brazil, South Africa, Australia,The Idol franchise has heard its fair share of judicial disputes in over 30 countries resulting in an ourt of court settlement between Pop Idols Producers and the creators of PopStar.International brodcasters are prohibited from using the title pop before the idol symbol.The franchise is under the management of 19 TV Ltd and FremantleMedia Licensing Worlwide.
It is sincerely hoped that Idols East and Southern Africa will be a success in the region. The Kenyan public awaits with much anticipation to see who the Judges will be and how impartially and proffesionaly they will handle their task!
All the best for the contestants who will participate but please give us dignified sensible music and we will vote for you!
Erm.... I don't think Annie Lennox was in Pop Stars.
ReplyDeleteAnnie Lennox was one-half pair of eurythmix
Thanks for noting that,... but for clarification,Annie Lennox has been a participant not a contestant in the Idol Series and has a recording contract with 19 Entertainment.
ReplyDeleteYap! But your post says her career was launched by Pop Idols...don't think so. Her career was actaully launched by Dave Stewart ages before 19 entertainment was even incorporated.
ReplyDeleteShe is Gay Icon and thats why i noticed the error.
Thanks! i've ammended the post....
ReplyDeleteHi Collins, I tripped over your post - it's Siobhan from Crazy about Kenya - anyway it's exciting news - keep in touch - we're also still on the look out for more aspiring/established Kenyan artists (musical or visual) so if anyone's interested they can buzz me back at Skindness08@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'll have more news on Monday so will post this on our page ;)