Call for applications: Battle of the bands in Kenya

The competition will run in Nairobi at a yet to be announced venue from February to December and feature eight bands.

Each month, two bands will compete with a one-month break between performances after each elimination. Voting will be done by a panel of judges and the public.

Note that the judging criteria will only be sent to qualified bands.

Selected requirements

To qualify, the band must:

• Adhere to the soundcheck and performance schedule. Failure to adhere will attract a 10-point penalty. 
• Incorporate a drummer. 
• Not exceed seven musicians. In case the band has more than the required members, a written request must be submitted to DrumJam for review. 
• Not share an instrumentalist with another band. If a musician plays for more than one band, a penalty of 15 points will be incurred.

A sample format of what the bands will be expected to play are as below:

• An original piece (max 10 minutes).
• Renditions of local songs (max 10 minutes).
• Rearranged international hit songs (max 10 minutes).
• Impromptu head-to-head jam (max 10 minutes).

Prize

• Winner – 150 000 Kenyan shillings ($1 500).
• Runner-up – 50 000 Kenyan shillings.

The application process is ongoing and interested bands can apply here.