Airtel Trace Music Star

Airtel Trace Music Star is a song competition in Africa. It is reportedly the first and biggest mobile song competition to be held in Africa. Winners of the competition win the following: a trip to the US where they will be mentored by pop musician Akon, a record deal with the US’ Universal Music and promotion for a total value exceeding $500,000. The grand finale airs on Trace Urban. The pan-African talent search is similar to European and American talent shows such as The Voice and Idols.

To participate in the competition, one has to call the IVR number of their country by using an Airtel Line. To vote by SMS, users have to send the appropriate code for their favorite contestant.

In February 2015, Malawian musician Sam Mkandawire became the winner of the first season of the Airtel trace Music Star Competition. He got a ticket to represent his country against contestants from other countries. Besides Malawi, some of the countries that are part of this competition are: Tanzania, Kenya Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar, DRC, Chad and Nigeria.