Over 10,000 contestants will compete to become the next Nigerian music star, with coaching, judging, and recording from members of the Berklee community.
Berklee will take part in the largest mobile-based music reality show in Africa, working together with multinational mobile telecommunications company MTN and multimedia mobile app and creative hub company Afrinolly.
The partnership will bring the Y’ello Star reality show to MTN’S mobile platform, broadcasting the contest to nearly 1 million users. Members of the Berklee community will serve as panelist judges as well as coaches for the contest’s 16 semifinalists. The winners of the reality contest will record their debut single at power station at Berkleenyc, Berklee’s campus in New York City, which features a one- year graduate program with three specializations.
MTN Nigeria created Y’ello Star as a mobile musical platform to search for, discover, nurture, and launch music talents in the young Nigerian community. Over 10,000 contestants applied, with 40 semifinalists having been selected for the start of the reality show.
“It is time for Nigerian music to fully take its rightful place in the global community,” says Chike Maduegbuna, CEO of Afrinolly. “With partners like MTN and Berklee, Afrinolly Creative Hub is discovering emerging music talents, cultivating them, and helping them grow. I am excited that Berklee College of Music is here to help us develop those artists, and bring them to a global stage.”
“We’re excited to work with MTN, Afrinolly Creative Hub, and the Y’ello Star reality show,” says Berklee.
The contest will start late October and runs through late November. The show’s judges include musical icon, singer, rapper, actor, and politician Banky W; singer-songwriter, actor, and social change agent Omawunmi Megbele; and six-time Grammy winner, poet, writer, actor, and producer Malik Yusef.
Commenting on the show, Osaze Ebueku, senior manager of sponsorships and promotions for MTN Nigeria, said, “The kickoff to the premiere season will give hopefuls the chance to showcase their talents from anywhere in Nigeria.”
