Airtel Africa has announced the sponsorship of ’The Voice Africa’, a music talent show, for budding musicians across the company’s 14 markets.

The commitment was unveiled on Wednesday October 19, 2022 during an event held in Lagos, Nigeria, with over 70 journalists in attendance. It was headlined by the twin singing and dancing sensations, P-Square, and was streamed live with the media and Airtel employees joining from across the 13 other OPCOs.

Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, stated that the “decision to sponsor the show was informed by our firm belief in and commitment to empowering the youths to achieve their dreams.”

According to him, “sponsoring The Voice Africa was an easy decision to make because it not only aligns with the philosophy of our brand, but also consolidates on the current dominance of the music world by Africans.”

Dr. Ogunsanya praised the dominance of the global music scene by African musicians, saying The Voice Africa was therefore intended to broaden the opportunities for more of the continent’s talented youths to realize their dreams.

The GCEO recalled the company’s previous sponsorships like the MTV Music Awards and Airtel Rising Stars, which contributed immensely to the emergence of many notable stars in music and football respectively, adding that “at the end of the day, Airtel Africa would have facilitated the emergence of successful musicians who can compete with their peers from anywhere in the world”.

“These investments”, he explained, “were intentional and deliberate to empower our youths and enable them to channel their talents and energies positively for their individual good and the good of their families, communities and indeed Africa.”

Ogunsanya, who was represented by the VP Corporate Communications and CSR, Emeka Oparah, restated Airtel Africa’s commitment to the empowerment of not only the youths but also all Africans to achieve their dreams and succeed in their lawful undertakings.

He commended the media for their unflinching support for the brand. “Your influence in leveraging this sort of opportunity cannot be overemphasized and I trust you will do what you know how to best in Nigeria, East Africa, or Francophone Africa”, he concluded.

Also speaking at the event, Airtel Africa’s Head of Brands, Nandkishor Buty, explained that The Voice Africa aims to showcase the brightest of African musical talents from across our markets, alongside a panel of coaches and TV hosts, and act as a launchpad for global recognition. Seven strongest vocalists from each of the 14 countries will be selected to participate in the programme, with one of them eventually crowned The Voice of Africa.

He announced that The Voice will formally kick off on Friday, October 21, with a call for entries followed by virtual auditions from where the seven contestants will emerge.

The successful contestants will then proceed to a camp where they will be groomed by coaches and participate in competitions for the emergence of the last 10. The overall winner will receive a US$100,000 star prize which will include cash and a recording contract.

Customers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite contestants, when the show airs on television stations across Africa in March 2023, with the grand finale taking place later in the year.

AE News