Call for auditions: MTN eSwatini talent search 2019  

The new talent search, titled The Spotlight, was launched on 13 July and is aimed at discovering the next big music star. A total of five auditions will be held in all regions of the country where 10 finalists will be picked from each audition.

Fifty upcoming artists will go into one major elimination round where 20 will be chosen for the finals. Public SMS voting will then begin and the winner will be announced in November.

The winner will receive a recording contract and drive away in a Kia Picanto. Other prizes will be announced in due course.

Interested artists should fill in the online form or dial *7768# to take part in the auditions.  

The audition venues and dates are as follows:

• 27 July – The George Hotel, Manzini.
• 3 August – Shiselweni Water Services, Nhlangano.
• 10 August – Simunye Club, Lubombo.
• 17 August – Gobolondlo Hall, Hhohho, Mbabane.
• 24 August – Theatre Club, Hhohho, Mbabane.

Requirements

• Participation is open to non-recording Swati and permanent residents artists.
• Potential artists aged between 16 and 30 years.
• All singers of all music genres.
• Artists should bring along their national IDs
• Fully signed consent form for those under 18 years.
• This is a vocal competition and contestants will be judged on vocal ability.

“MTN has been in the music and arts industry for some time now,” MTN's senior manager for brand and sponsorship, Meshack Maseko, told Music In Africa. “We have sponsored MTN Bushfire, which seeks to unveil new talent and give artists a chance to perform at the annual festival.

"We saw that there is a gap in unearthing and nurturing new talent in the industry, hence the decision to come up with this initiative. MTN is also passionate about supporting the youth as the key segment of its customers. This joins in the host of other MTN initiatives directed to young people.”