The company's regional marketing manager for brand Tusker, Mburu Karanja confirmed that the expanded reality show will now cover the four East African countries.
“That we have immense musical talent in the region is not in doubt judging from the previous seasons of this show,” Karanja said.
He further added: “East African Breweries is investing over Kshs200 million in this initiative aimed to seek and develop music talent in the region in line with the company's commitment to nurture and showcase world-class talent and performance from the region.”
While the beverages manufacturer will finance the project, production house Endemol will handle the TV production aspects in conjunction with local experts.
“The Tusker Project Fame journey is an exciting one which not only sees the nurturing of music talent, but also allows for transfer of skills in reality show production,” added Karanja. “We seek to ensure that Kenyan artisans are involved in all aspects of bringing this show to life, a process which will undoubtedly result in greater exposure of world class skills to our people.”
At the end of the auditioning phase, a total of 12 contestants representing the four countries will move into the Tusker Academy, a music school where for eight weeks they will have vocal, song-writing and performance coaching . Audiences can participate through SMS voting once the show starts.
Through weekly evictions, the 12 contestants will be whittled down to one winner who will, in October, be crowned the Tusker Project Fame 3 winner. Karanja further stated that, “we are maintaining the top prize for the winner comprising of Kshs5,000,000 in prize money and a recording deal with Gallo Records, among a host of other goodies.”
To qualify for the show, applicants must be fluent in English besides having a passion and talent for singing. Application forms detailing eligibility criteria can be obtained from various retail and entertainment outlets across the region and will also be available at the audition venues.
Tusker Project Fame 3 plans to have a dedicated website at www.tuskerprojectfame.com where application forms can be downloaded, as well as updates and information about the show can be obtained.
