SA: Shay’na nge White Star back for season three

The Shay’na nge White Star (shine with White Star) campaign seeks to enable local artists to shine their light. This year’s edition kicked off with a live performance in Johannesburg on 12 May, with another event expected to take place in Durban on 21 May. The live performances will be followed by a 13-week series on Metro FM, which will be livestreamed on social media giving fans the opportunity to win a R5 000 cash prize per episode.

The Metro FM campaign will again feature 13 artists, including Kekelingo, Nomfundo Mo, Zuko SA, Langa Mavuso, Ami Faku, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Simmy, Encore, Soul Kulture, Ayanda Jiya, Zarcia, Mlindo the Vocalist, Manana, Karabo, Nomcebo Zikode, Zoe Modiga and Mpho Sebina.

“White Star has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with local artists,” White Star marketing manager Mokhele Makhothi said. “During the various phases of lockdown, we wanted to extend that support by creating an opportunity for local artists to partake in the campaign and earn income, while also lightening the mood in the country. The initiative has been so successful that we’ve decided to continue with it, giving new talent a national platform and keeping fellow South Africans entertained and close to the heart of local music.”

Shay'na nge White Star began in September 2020, with a sponsored broadcast on Metro FM’s Sunday Soul Therapy show with Msizi Shembe. According to White Star, the pilot season boasted 40 million impressions across all social media platforms and reached 4.6 million adults. Through live streaming on social media, the show only plays local music, giving local musicians the chance to reconnect with their fans.

“As always, musicians and singers will benefit from being featured on the playlists as well as from the streaming and downloads of their music,” Makhothi said. “The idea behind the campaign is that the more South Africans listen to and support local music, the more local content will be played on radio and TV, helping all our favourite artists to emerge from the dry season caused by COVID.”

White Star has been supporting local music shows such as Macufe, DrumBeat, and the Moretele Park Tribute Concert since 1999.

“With this initiative, we are also appealing to other stations to add more South African content to their playlists and for TV shows to feature videos and live performances by local artists. Music is woven into our culture and every show, every streaming and every download will contribute towards keeping our vibrant and exceptional music industry afloat.”