By FUNMILOLA GBOTEKU

Telecommunications company, Airtel Africa, has launched “The Voice Africa”, a platform to help discover and champion the musical talents of young Africans, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Segun Ogunsanya, the Managing Director of Airtel Africa, during the launch on Wednesday in Lagos, said ‘The Voice Africa’ was the latest initiative from the company designed to support the continent’s most valuable asset, the young Africans.

Ogunsanya, who was represented by Emeka Oparah, Vice-President, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Africa, said the Voice is the number one competition format music and entertainment show in the world.

He said that Airtel Africa was facilitating the emergence of successful musicians who could compete with their peers from anywhere in the world.

“As the continent with the youngest population worldwide harnessing their creativity, talent and energy could be transformational for Africa.

“Through The Voice Africa, Airtel Africa is providing a platform for Africa’s youth to showcase their talent and be the best they can be,” he said.

He said that the show was airing in over 180 countries.

Ogunsanya said, “Building on the success of The Voice Nigeria, Airtel Africa has partnered with the executive producers of seasons three and four, FAME Studios Africa, to roll out the award-winning concept to all 14 Airtel Africa markets.”

He said that the debut season of ‘The Voice Africa’ would be streamlined to millions of Africans via Airtel TV, Free to Air stations (FTAs) and paid channels across 14 countries in Africa.

“It is expected to attract and showcase the brightest of African musical talents, alongside a high-profile panel of coaches and TV hosts, and act as a launchpad for global recognition.

“Seven participants from each of the 14 countries will be selected to participate in the programme, with one of them eventually crowned The Voice Africa.

“As a business, we are driven by the purpose to transform lives, and that means unlocking the potential for people to grow,” Ogunsanya said.

According to Ogunsanya, it is believed that 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 fulfil their ambitions,

“The show will commence with a call for virtual auditions on October 19, followed by live auditions later in the year.

“It will be broadcast in March 2023, with the grand finale taking place later in the year,” he said. (NAN)

•PHOTO: L-R; Chief Executive Officer, Fame Studio Africa, Akin Salami; Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Africa PLC, Emeka Oparah; Music Artist, Paul Okoye (Psquare); Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji; Music Artist, Peter Okoye (Psquare); Founder/Chief Executive Officer, HIP TV, Ayo Animashaun and Head, Brand Research and Communications, Airtel Africa, Nandu Buty, during the news conference to announce the commencement of The Voice Africa in Lagos