Call for auditions: Twaweza Live Kenya

Safaricom Twaweza live is a seven-month campaign that will tour across Kenya. The campaign will include free medical camps, campus takeovers, youth mentorship programmes and concerts.

“We are looking for instrumentalists with excellent song choice ability, stage presence, improvisation and a strong stylistic interpretation," Twaweza Live producer Mike Strano told Music In Africa.

"Performers will also have to demonstrate the ability to work well with others and create engaging sets. Successful applicants will secure up to six bookings between May and November.

With the aim of naturing local talent, the tour will go to Eldoret and move on to Meru, Machakos, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii and Nairobi.

Safaricom has consistently invested in the Knyan music scene by funding successful shows. Some of its concerts include Safaricom Live, a national tour of pop artists, and Safaricom Jazz, an international festival that runs throughout the year.

In the past, these concert tours have contributed greatly in injecting a sense of professionalism in the music industry, exposing artists to higher standards. Many of the cast and crew who participated in Safaricom Live in 2012 have gone on to establish themselves as successful session professionals.

“Instrumentalists need to take this opportunity very seriously. It could open many doors for them. In 2012 when we did Safaricom Live, Cedo was my music director. He has gone on to produce various hits singles and directed several international tours, most notably Sauti Sol’s Live and Die in Africa Tour,” Strano said.