Call for auditions: Rap Star Zimbabwe talent search

Rap Star Zimbabwe is a newly launched talent search that seeks to broaden the local hip hop scene. The platform also intends to open doors for young rappers.

Registration and auditions

Local hip hop hopefuls can register at the Big Bass studios and Kingsville Clothing Shop in Harare and Bulawayo, respectively. The registration fee is $5 and artists can contact +263 719 479 352 for more information.

Zim Hip Hop Awards CEO Beefy Harrison said the Harare auditions would be held at Big Bass studios, while the Bulawayo would be announced in due course.

To participate in the auditions, artists should register to get an audition date. Artists can register at the closest audition centre. For example, an artist in Gweru will audition in Bulawayo. Harrison further said they would accommodate other cities as the format grows.

The registration deadline is 24 July.

Prizes

The winner will get a recording deal worth $4 000, a car and get to perform at this year’s Zim Hip Hop Awards. More prizes will be announced soon.

Competition rules

• Individuals and groups consisting of not more than five members are legible.
• Strictly hip hop music will be auditioned.
• Those who fail to make it to the second round can audition for a second time.
• All information provided by artist must be accurate.
• The auditions are open to any hip hop artist in Zimbabwe regardless of the city they live in.

Rap Star stages

• First round – Auditions.
• Second round – Battle stages.
• Third round – Mentorship stages.
• Fourth round – Semi-finals.
• Fifth round – Finals (public vote to decide).

“One can get signed and win a record deal of a lifetime,” Harrison said. “The auditions are for every upcoming artist who can sign up for the show. The auditions will also take place in other cities like Bulawayo, giving opportunities to more than 100 artists to audition in one season and also to win the biggest prize – a recording deal.

“In the first round, artists will be judged over a freestyle or verse of 16 bars over a chosen instrumental or could be asked to perform pre-recorded material. A panel of judges made up of local hip hop gurus will spearhead the auditions and each week a new guest judge will be introduced to spice up the show. The judges decide whether one makes it to the next round through a panel vote. The head judge will have an overall say in case of a split decision.”

Adjudication and judges

Harrison said artists will be judged on a set list of criteria.

“Artists will be judged based on several key skills such as delivery, flow and clarity. The artist must be comfortable over a variety of sounds and production styles and should portray meaning of the hip hop culture through their music."

He said the panel of judges would comprise three main judges and a fourth judge who will be rotated.

“The show will bring in guest judges until the semi-final where we will see the introduction of international superstars as judges. The auditions will have a host MC whose role will be to communicate with the artist and judges backstage and on set.

“Finalists will get mentorship at a private resort as they prepare for the season finale. This will feature team building and rap battles all in one weekend. The finalists will be asked to camp for a few days during the finals. Footage will be made available on social media and will be released as episodes during the season.”