This was during a months long scouring of the Kenyan musical pool for the next big star. All aspiring contestants were required to call and sing. After they made calls, each hoped that this would change their lives. The shortlisting has been done. Out of a massive 15,000 callers, the best of the best have been found. It's now time to battle it out.
The Search auditions took place on the 26th and the 27th of September at Louis Leaky Auditorium at the National Museum. Contestants were there from as early as 7:30am ready to take the stage. Over 130 shortlisted contestants sang their hearts out over the two days and it was absolutely spectacular. There was the good, the bad and the ugly...from apparent comedy to moving moments of tears!
As a journalist who hang out with the contestants, I could feel the energy that they exuded. Despite the fact that the scorching sun was getting a better part of me, they seemed perfectly set for the challenge. Some of them told me that it wasn't the first time they auditioned. The contestants come from all walks of life; from students to full time employees to street hustlers. As they waited for their chance to take the stage, they did medleys of your favorite jams; from riddims to hiphop music.
It was never a dull moment for them.
The judges said yes to about 42 contestants, who will now be culled to the final sixteen. The final round of auditions is this Friday – the 7th of October at The Red Four Academy. They'll perform their very best for the vocal coach. At the end of it all, only the best 16 will be admitted to the academy, as that's its capacity...and decisions have to be made when searching for Kenya's big star.
The Search will be soon be airing and I promise you that it'll be the best Kenyan reality show you'll have ever watched.
