MTN Unveils Project Fame West Africa
MTN Xtra cool, the youth brand of the telecoms giant,
has further reinforced its ownership of music in
Nigeria and the West African region with the unveiling
to world acclaimed talent discovery and nurturing
Reality music TV show, Project Fame. Tagged, MTN
Project Fame West African, the project was unveiled to
the press at a well attended media launch held at the
Event Place, Planet One Entertainment, on Tuesday,
15th July 2008.
Project Fame has been on in more than 15 countries of
the world and according to the GM, consumer marketing,
MTN Nigeria, Mr Kola Oyeyemi, the telecom company, is
bringing it to the teeming Nigerian youth population
and television viewers nationwide to meet their
passion area. “Music correctly taps into their passion
points, hence the need to provide them with world
class cutting edge music property that meets the needs
and aspirations of this dynamic segment” he said.
The uniqueness of the project is that, unlike others,
it has a transformative impact on the selected youth.
The reality element of the programme, gives it an
addictive viewing opportunity, with fair voting
opportunity. It also boasts of world class standards –
and with the support MTN, Endemol and Ultima, it
provides an opportunity for total entertainment and an
opportunity discover and nurture youthful talents.
MTN Project Fame West Africa reality music show
provides a platform where 16 young people are selected
from a pool of others to be trained and groomed in the
act of music performance. They are housed in an
academy for a period of three months where they are
trained by leading music experts on what it takes to
become a top rated music icon. The students will also
be given the opportunity to meet and perform alongside
their favorite stars who would be conducting exclusive
master- classes, sharing their wisdom and tips for
success. Viewers are given the unique opportunity to
follow day by day, the behind the scenes of all the
learning process of the participants.
Each week a jury made up of respected industry members
would put up four students who have not made the
required grade on probation. Teachers vote to save the
pupil they feel has the most potential. The rest of
the students get the chance to rescue of their class
mates. Six days a week, a 24 minute episode is aired
showing the highlights of the day at the Academy.
Two highlights of the week are (1) the Saturday
eviction show and (2) the Sunday live gala event in
which the students perform and the elimination process
is carried out.
The programme presents huge opportunities to harness
the abundant musical talents in the country. All
students selected for the Academy must be able to play
musical instruments, write their own songs and
perform.
At the end of the show, a winner and two runners up
will emerge. This will give room for showcasing
different genres and styles that would be useful in a
diverse market like West Africa.