Vodacom SA looking for music superstar

19 Oct 2017 - 13:33

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

One of five contestants who are taking part in the Vodacom NXT LVL competition stands a chance to win R1m ($75 000) and be crowned NXT LVL Rocka for 2017 edition.

Four-piece outfit Music 97 is among the contestants of Vodacom NXT LVL.

The winner will work with a PR agency to help build a brand, and a lawyer to assist with music rights and royalties.

The competition, which is intended for Vodacom customers between the ages 18 to 24, required subscribers to download the My Vodacom App, subscribe to the NXT LVL platform and upload a video or audio clip of themselves performing.

From the entries received, five acts were selected: Jesse, 23, Thami, 21, Zethe, 24, and Theo, 23. The fifth contestant is the group Music 97 comprising bassist Marcus Mocane, 20, pianist and vocalist Andy Keys, 18, vocalist Khanyi, 22, and drummer Thabo Mnisi, 18.

The show, which airs on Mzansi Magic DStv channel 161 every Wednesday at 9.30pm, is presented by renowned TV personality Denise Zimba. DJ Zinhle, Danny K, Euphonik, Riky Rick and Big Nuz are mentoring the five hopefuls in a 10-week master class.

The winner will be determined by public vote via SMS and announced at a live show recording on 6 December.

“Watch their journey unfold and catch all the drama, the hard lessons, the excitement and the challenges as they take their talent to the NXT LVL,” a Vodacom social media post said.

“Get in on the action by joining the Vodacom NXT LVL family and have your say on who should win the prize worth R1m and be crowned the NXT LVL Rocka for 2017.”

Danny K said the Vodacom NXT LVL competition “is the only reality show where the winning contestant isn’t forced into a recording deal with a label, but through this show the winner is given enough resources to record a full album with the best producers in the country”.

Founded in 2016, the show, which is a partnership between mobile communications company Vodacom and local music gear brand Rocka, was designed to give all young South Africans under the age of 25 the opportunity to follow their passion.

In August, MTN and TouchHD launched MTN MegaStar, an online talent search that gives aspirant musicians a chance to win a record deal with local studio Temple Records and work with renowned US producer Mike Will.