Ghana: TV3 announces return of Mentor music reality show

Now in its 10th year and dubbed Mentor X, the competition, which is the first music reality show organised in Ghana, seeks to provide a springboard for undiscovered local talents to advance their professional careers. The show is open to both rappers and singers.

The organisers say they intend for this year’s edition to have a continental outlook and provide opportunities for young Africans. The show also aims to “add value and equip these young musicians with the requisite music business knowledge, industry insights and support to transform them into global stars.”

Media Generale TV general manager Francis Doku said that since its inception, Mentor had facilitated mainstream success for many contestants.

“By participating in a well-structured reality show like Mentor, young talents get to mingle with a lot of people and this helps them to change and develop their basic characteristics,” he said. “In addition to helping work on their craft, they learn the rudiments of the trade. With Mentor X, we are giving other African nationals living in Ghana the opportunity to showcase their talent”.

Last year, rapper Kweku Bany was crowned the winner of the reality show and took home 10 000 Ghanaian cedi (about $1 700), a new car, two mastered songs and $8 500 worth of airtime on Media General’s TV, radio and digital platforms.

Throughout the competition, Kweku Bany was under the mentorship of singer Adina, who also served as a judge on the show. Rapper Edem, Musicians Union of Ghana president Bessa Simons and producer Appietus were the other members of the Mentor jury.

Auditions for Mentor X began in Tamale on 17 September and moved on to Kumasi on 19 September and Takoradi on 21 September.