The maiden edition of the Gospel Icons Africa (GIA) talent hunt show has been slated to begin in August as the winner will walk away with N10 million.
Mr Bamidele Martins, Chief Executive Director of GIA, disclosed this during a news conference held on Thursday in Lagos.
Martins said that the essence of the show was to produce the next-rated gospel singers in Africa and change the narratives of gospel music in the continent.
He said interested individuals should register on the official website of GIA: www.gospeliconsafrica.com, where they could upload their 30 seconds musical video, after which auditioning will be done.
According to him, some seasoned gospel artistes have been selected as members of the jury to select the best 10 contestants after thorough examination of their submitted videos.
“Immediately after this gathering, interested individuals can begin to apply through the official website.
“The show kicks off in August and it will run for 13 weeks when the contestants will be camped while they go through some moment of mentorship and empowerment.
“The overall winner will be going away with N10 million, a new car and a two-year record deal, while other winners will have incentives like cash prizes and iphones among other things,” he said.
Also speaking, Esther Oladeji, Managing Director, GIA, noted that the initiative was a vision got in May 2022 which had been committed into the hands of God.
Oladeji said the structure for the show had been divinely drawn as it would attempt to create platform for true worshippers to connect with God and bless humanity.
“This is to please God and we desire to do his will. He has led us through the pattern and structure he wants us to go.
“Also, it is to change the narrative of gospel music in Africa, to also give upcoming gospel artistes platform to showcase their talents,” she said.
Commenting on the age limit for interested persons, Segun Oluwayomi, Chief Operating Director, GIA, noted that there was no age restriction but applicants under the age of 18 would require parental consent before being considered.
He said professional musicians who desire the platform for promotion could also apply.
He encouraged all Christians endowed with singing talent to apply across Africa.
“GIA reality show is a unique gospel reality show because our focus is to raise kingdom stars. We have various gospel music veterans that will work them through the journey.
“Also, everyone who makes an entry is sure to be impacted in one way or the other.
“GIA is non-denominational, interested individuals must be truly born again christians,” he said.
Bolaji Olanrewaju, a music minister, said after the emergence of the winner, the other nine contestants would also be given consolation prizes.
He noted that the show would be aired on one of the channels on DSTV and would be communicated soon.
