My star musical talent show is destined for the best next year with pioneers of the programme making inroads into far-flung places to unearth talent, which so far has been left behind because of distance.
For the first time, Master Dee’s initiative will, for the festive season, go to Maun for auditions, with inhabitants of neighbouring rural villages, such as Shakawe, expected to throng the tourism hub of Botswana in a quest to clinch the coveted prize.
“My Star 2012 promises to attract a considerable number of contestants with the musical talent show this time around expected to kick-start in Maun for the first time on 30th December,” said Keabetswe Sesinyi, a.k.a. Master Dee. “We have for the past years shown Batswana what the programme is all about and never disappointed.”
Although he would not be dragged into divulging next year’s prize money, the laughing Master Dee promises a good bargain, citing the previous rewards which he said never failed the contenders.
From humble beginnings in 2005, My Star has grown in leaps and bounds with 2010 and 2011 prize winners taking P25, 000 and P100, 000 respectively – attracting public interest, particularly amongst the youths.
Twenty-year-old Bianca Gabasiane scooped this year’s prize, walking away with a whooping P100, 000 cash prize and P150, 000 sponsorship to any institution of her choice from the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) and a recording contract.
Her runner-up, Kennedy Thal, got a comfortable prize as did other consolation prize winners.
“The competition is open to everyone except for the final prize winners,” Master Dee, musician-cum promoter, further revealed, dismissing suggestions that those who participated in the past would not be considered for another chance.
“We have in the previous episodes started our auditions in the urban areas but this time around we want to reach the rural folks where many believe so much talent lies unnoticed,” Master Dee said.
For the second time running Mascom, a mobile telephone operator, will be the show’s main sponsor with all the proceedings to broadcast live on television.
Prospective participants will part with P200 for the auditions with the actual competition expected midyear.
