Airtel Africa, a major telecoms and mobile money service provider with operations in 14 African nations, announced today that it will serve as the title sponsor of "The Voice Africa" in Lagos, Nigeria.
More than 180 nations around the world broadcast the music and entertainment competition "The Voice." In order to expand the award-winning idea to all 14 Airtel Africa territories, Airtel Africa has teamed with FAME Studios Africa, the executive producers of seasons three and four of The Voice Nigeria.
Airtel TV, Free to Air stations (FTAs), and commercial channels will all stream The Voice Africa's premiere season to millions of Africans in 14 different nations. Along with a distinguished group of judges and TV hosts, it is anticipated to draw and present the best African musical talent and serve as a springboard for international exposure. The programme will pick seven contestants from each of the 14 nations, and one of them will ultimately be named The Voice Africa.
Segun Ogunsanya, GCEO, Airtel Africa, said: “As a business, we are driven by the purpose to transform lives, and that means unlocking the potential for people to grow. The Voice Africa gives us an incredible platform to help discover and champion the musical talents of young Africans, enabling them to achieve their full potential. I believe the drama and excitement around their stunning performances will unite people across the continent.
“Our musical landscape is culturally rich, vibrant, and dynamic and the rhythms of Africa are already making a massive impact globally. There is a huge opportunity for African music to be exported on a scale larger than ever before, and The Voice Africa has come to empower our young talent and help them fulfill their ambitions. Airtel Africa is facilitating the emergence of successful musicians who can compete with their peers from anywhere in the world.”
The Voice Africa is the latest initiative from Airtel Africa designed to support the continent’s most valuable asset by far: young Africans. Over the years, Airtel Africa has sponsored MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), the Zain Africa Challenge, which brought university students together in a quiz contest, and the Airtel Rising Stars, a football tournament for Under-15 boys and girls.
“Airtel Africa has always believed in Africa and will always do so,” Segun Ogunsanya continued. “As the continent with the youngest population worldwide – some 50% – harnessing their creativity, talent and energy could betransformationalforAfrica. Through The Voice Africa, Airtel Africa is providing a platform for Africa’s youth to sho wcasetheir talentand bethebestthey can be. The future of Africa is bright. The future of Africa is now.”
Airtel Africa and The Voice’s innovative partnership will drive excitement for fans through on-air customized content integrations, digital and social media activations and in-country events. The Voice Africa will commence with a call for virtual auditions on 19th October followed by live auditions later this year. The show will be broadcast in March 2023, with the grand finale taking place later in the year.