Iyke Bede
As the countdown to the maiden edition of the Gospel Icon Africa (GIA) talent show continues, organisers are confident that this one-of-a-kind reality show will positively impact the gospel music scene in Africa by producing a new wave of exceptionally talented artists who will revolutionise the gospel music industry.
With a grand prize of N10 million, a car, and a two-year recording deal, the organisers explained that it hopes to achieve its claims through a thorough selection process that evaluates the talents’ capabilities during the audition stages to the judges’ selection during the live show, to culminate in a well-rounded winner.
“Our core mission is to raise gospel stars,” one of the organisers, Segun Oluwayomi, revealed. “We have recruited various gospel veterans that will walk them through the journey. Everyone that makes an entry is sure to be impacted in one way or the other.”
Another member of the organising team, Esther Oladeji elaborated that the reality show goes beyond rewarding talents to encourage their craft, she noted that it is an avenue to use the platform to “help change the narrative of gospel music in Africa, by modelling God’s template of true gospel music that will enable true worshippers to connect with God and bless humanity.”
The GIA talent show, a brainchild of M&E Music Company Limited, is expected to commence in August and run for 13 consecutive weeks. Auditions are still ongoing and participants are not limited by age or denomination.
