MTN XtraCool, the youth brand of MTN Nigeria, has launched the second edition of world acclaimed talent discovery and nurturing reality music TV show, Project Fame West Africa.
Project Fame has been on in more than 15 countries of the world and according to Mr. Bola Akingbade, MTN Nigeria’s chief marketing and strategy officer, the telecom company is bringing it to the teeming Nigerian youth population and television viewers nationwide to meet their passion, while providing an opportunity for total family entertainment and a chance to discover and nurture youthful talents.
“Music correctly taps into the passion points of youths since it is a common means of self expression gratification, hence the need to provide a world class cutting-edge music programme that meets the needs and aspirations of this dynamic segment. This is in accordance with our stand to provide innovative products and services that suits the individuality of our subscribers,” he said.
Unlike similar programmes, MTN Project Fame West Africa has a transformative impact on the selected youths. The reality element of the programme gives it an addictive viewing edge with fair voting opportunity. It also boasts of world class production standards from Endemol and Ultima.
The programme presents huge opportunities to harness the abundant musical talents in the country. All students selected for the Project Fame Academy must be able to play musical instruments, write their own songs and perform, and are given room to showcase different genres and styles of performances. In the academy where they are housed until voted out, they are trained by leading music experts, and at the end of the show, a winner and two runners up will emerge.
The inaugural edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa produced Inyanya Mbuk from Cross River State as the winner. He won a brand new Toyota RAV 4 and N2.5 million cash prize. Inyanya has since launched a successful music career with his two singles enjoying the best of air play within and outside the country.
Ghana’s Nii Ankra, the first runner, won a brand new Toyota Corolla and N2 million. Praise Adejo and Annette Cookey both of Nigeria went home a 2008 model Toyota Yaris plus N1.5 million, and N1 million as second and third runners-up respectively.