Music superstars 2face Idibia, Waje, Timi Dakolo and Patoranking were Tuesday unveiled as coaches for the maiden edition of the Airtel sponsored singing competition, The Voice Nigeria, at The George Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Speaking at the press conference, Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “It is an exciting time for us at M-Net. The Voice is an internationally renowned franchise and has consistently provided exciting television content whist giving great opportunities to talented individuals to showcase their talent to the world.
She continued, “The Nigerian adaptation will be no different and our viewers can expect the best television entertainment even as we wait to discover the next generation of talented singers.”
Like it is done in the US, Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom, four coaches will be on the panel of judges to critique the contestants’ performances. The coaches will also guide their teams of selected artistes through the remainder of the season whist also competing to ensure that their chosen act wins the competition.
Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Ahmad Mokhles, also noted that his organisation is about creating platforms that will delight, excite, entertain and engage talented youths as well as telecoms consumers across the world.
“The Voice Nigeria demonstrates Airtel’s commitment to its vision of connecting Nigerians to their dreams, we are also pleased by the fact that the majority of the coaches are not just icons in their respective genres but also, members of the Airtel family, underscoring our intense interest and support for the entertainment and creative industry,” he said.
2face believes that this is another platform to uplift the lives of the youth while songstress, Waje, declares that she has always been a big supporter of the youth and any platform that pushes it.
Singer, Timi Dakolo, who shot into limelight after contesting on a similar platform – Idols West Africa – said “I was once looking for a platform; I was once on the other side of the table. So it is great to know there is another platform that can give rise to talents.”
The Voice Nigeria will hold auditions in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos and will start airing in April 2016.
