Music is often the hope for people.
This was the sentiment expressed by executive producer Vuyo Sokupa-Sowah at the media launch of a new talent show about to take Mzansi Magic by storm, Amazing Voices.
“In all the countries that we went into, you would see different environments and landscapes but ultimately when we were asking groups to sing and perform… you would see and hear the hope that this would be their ticket to a better life,” she said.
The executive producer travelled with her crew across the continent to discover the talent needed to unite Africa in song. “We started in Kumasi and Accra (in Ghana), then went to Mombasa and Nairobi in Kenya, then Bulawayo and Harare, and then Cape Town, Durban and Joburg.
“I am extremely proud that when you watch the episodes, the one thing we got right was the spirit of Africa, the essence of who we are as a people. As much as it is countries competing there is a spirit there and you watch it and your heart is warm.”
Amazing Voices will see 12 groups of singers from Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa compete for the ultimate title as they are coached by their respective country’s musicians. For South Africa, Vusi Nova will be in the hot seat to make sure Mzansi shines bright.
He will be helped by Buhlebendalo Mda of The Soil fame and Morena the Squire.
Zwai Bala is the musical director for the reality contest.
“Amazing Voices caught my attention right away. The pan-African angle hooked me. I am passionate about my Africanness and I am all about a united Africa.
“This show is a great opportunity for the unity of Africa to start happening and I can help guide with my experience.”
The show is a project partnership between Old Mutual and MultiChoice.
Bandile Mngoma, manager for sponsorship and events at Old Mutual, said:
“When you look across Africa, what connects people is soccer and music. With music, it doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the language because you can understand the beat.
“We wanted to choose something that could live beyond the borders of South Africa. “The show will be screened across Africa.
“It took on the format of mass auditions, city and country auditions, so will feature groups that are the best in their countries.” Amazing Voices airs on Mzansi Magic from Sunday.
The grand finale will be broadcast live in April with the winner being chosen by public votes.
@mane_mpi