Vodafone Uganda has today launched WhatsApp mania, a new music competition that will see youth in Uganda compete for a UGX 20 million music record contract at Talent Africa and Deuces Entertainment Group, two of East Africa’s finest and most respected music production houses.
The exciting competition kicked off today with a call for entries into the competition and will run until March 24, 2016, when the winner will be selected and recognized, according to Allan Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone Uganda.
“We are excited to announce this competition because it’s creating an opportunity for Ugandans to identify their next big music icon by empowering and challenging music enthusiast, to compose and record original and adorable work that demonstrates their passion for music,” Richardson said.
“Vodafone is passionate about all things technology and what it can do to enable young people achieve their dreams without barriers. This is why we are giving Ugandans youth an opportunity to use our free WhatsApp service to turn their dreams into reality from the comfort of their homes, workplaces and schools,” he added. The theme of the competition is Power to Dreamers, which brings to life, the company’s brand promise Power to You.
Talent Africa CEO Aly Allibhai said, “My studio is considered one of the best in Uganda and some of Uganda’s top artistes have recorded hits with us. Therefore, partnering with a global brand like Vodafone to find promising music talent from all over in Uganda is a passion we share.”
Joshua Mazune, the vice-president Deuces Entertainment Group (DEG), said the Vodafone WhatsApp Mania music competition is a great initiative that they are supporting to showcase the talent that Uganda has. It will also serve as a platform for DEG, to show Uganda its potential in the production of high quality music videos.
To participate in Vodafone WhatsApp Mania, contestants are required to purchase and load a Vodafone power bundle of any amount or buy any mobile device from any of the Vodafone stores or outlets, compose and record either a video and audio song using their phones and to submit them to WhatsApp number 0723000500. The deadline for submission is 5:00PM, March 24, 2016.
The overall winner of the competition will walk away with an audio record deal and a brand new 4G LTE handset from Vodafone Uganda and an award. The winning singles will be recorded and produced by Talent Africa, while Deuces Entertainment Group will shoot the video for the overall winner.
Multiple award-winning Ugandan Hip Hop artiste Navio (Daniel Kigozi), Ken Daniels Kayongo, a renowned music producer and Swahili Nation singer, plus Moses Serugo, a seasoned critique of the Arts and Rukh-Shana Namuyimba, the communications manager at Vodafone Uganda, have been named judges for the competition.
Before the judges decide the winners, the public will have an opportunity to vote for the best entries into the competition online via http://whatsappmania.vodafone.co.ug/. Every week, the best entries, as voted by the public shall be identified and nominated to the list of Top 10. The finalist will be invited to the grand finale which will take place in Kampala on April 7, 2016.
