New season of Project Fame kicks off

Since its first season in 2008, the show has increased in popularity and given Africa a few singing stars, Nigeria’s 'Kukere' crooner Iyanya and Ghana’s Kesse Frimpong among them. It has thus become a recognised platform for young, unestablished singers to receive training and build an audience. It also helps that the winner receives a substantial cash prize and a record deal. All helpful perks on the road to becoming a sensation.

There is one less hurdle on that road this edition as Project Fame’s organisers have made it possible for performances to be sent from home for this edition. The queues at audition venues are sure to reduce. Ultima Limited, the company responsible for the show, said: “Dial 5900 and follow the voice prompt to record [an] audio audition for 45 seconds.” Calls have to be made from an MTN phone to be eligible, after which a Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be sent to the user within 24 hours. The user will need this number to register online.

Added to the ease of applying, there is further encouragement. This year’s winner will receive an SUV, a recording contract and N5million (over US$25000) in cash. The first runner-up gets a car and a 3 million naira (about US$15000) cash award. The second runner-up also receives a car and 1 million naira (about US$5000). There is also a cash reward for the third runner-up.

After the 20 June auditions in Nigerian cities, Ghana’s capital Accra and Ibadan in south-west Nigeria will host auditions come Saturday 27 June. And then it will be the turn of Lagos to play host for two days on 3 and 4 July. For more details visit the Project Fame West Africa facebook page.