Airtel announces sponsorship of “The Voice Nigeria”, kicks off audition in PH, Lagos, Abuja

Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced its partnership with leading provider of premium African entertainment, Africa magic, to sponsor The Voice, a Nigerian version of the internationally acclaimed reality singing competition.

The singing competition will offer talented Nigerians a solid and credible ladder to stardom just as it will bring excitement and joy to the homes of music lovers across the country.

Speaking on Airtel’s partnership with Africa Magic on The Voice, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmad Mokhles, said the telco is committed to seeking partnerships that will empower talented Nigerians, especially young people and also bring joy, laughter and happiness to the homes of Nigerians.

“As the smartphone network, Airtel is passionate about innovative initiatives that will empower and enrich the lives of Nigerian youths. Airtel is positioned as the mobile Internet service provider of first choice for Nigerian youths and we shall continue to support programmes that will connect more young Nigerians to their dreams,” he said.

Auditions of The Voice will begin on the 9th of January, 2016 and the show begins airing in April, 2016.

Since its original launch in 2010, The Voice has gone on to win audiences in countries like the US, Australia and the UK, where renowned artistes including Adam Levine, Blake Sheldon, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Tom Jones, Pharrell Williams, Kylie Minogue and Ricky Martin have occupied the show’s famous red chairs as coaches. The Voice Nigeria employs the same format including a panel of four coaches who critique the contestants’ performances. The coaches guide their teams of selected artistes through the remainder of the season whilst also competing to ensure that their act wins the competition.

The Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Voice Nigeria. All over the world, lovers of entertainment recognise The Voice franchise as premium, exciting entertainment and we are thrilled to introduce the franchise to viewers in Nigeria and across Africa. Our viewers will definitely enjoy the stellar performances by the artistes and the excitement as the coaches jostle to pick the best performers.”

To stand a chance of participating in The Voice Nigeria, prospective contestants need to visit the various audition venues across four cities:

Port Harcourt: 9th & 10th January 2016 at the Viontel Hotel Plot 96 Stadium Road G.R.A

Calabar: 9th & 10th January 2016 at the Channel View Hotels, 27 MCC Road

Abuja: 16th &17th January 2016 at the Bolingo Hotels, Independent Avenue, Central Business District, Garki

Lagos: 16th & 17th January 2016 at the Freedom Park; 1 Hospital Road, Old Prison Ground

For his part, the Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said: “For over 20 years, Multichoice has played an active role in the development of the African film and television industry. The Africa Magic channels, which sit on our Dstv and GOtv platforms, continue to display the best of African entertainment content to the world and with the launch of The Voice Nigeria, we have once again provided a platform for African talent to shine.”