New BET reality show to take aspiring African gospel vocalists to Atlanta
The top 20 gospel stars from around the world compete for the top prize in the upcoming 9th season of 'Sunday Best' hosted by Kirk Franklin.
Kelly Khumalo will be one of the judges deciding who gets sent to Atlanta | Image: Instagramby @lakhephotography
Amid calls to #OpenUpTheIndustry, BET Africa has committed to doing just that by launching the local version of a gospel talent search in South Africa and Nigeria aimed at scouting the next best gospel star who will join BET in the USA for the production of the ninth season of the Sunday Best gospel music show.
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Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, Sunday Best is a BET original production that gives amateur gospel singers an opportunity to perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges, who have previously included the likes of Mary Mary, Bebe & Cece Winans, and Donnie McClurkin.
This year, BET Africa will travel between South Africa and Nigeria in the hopes of finding angelic gospel voices who will be selected to participate in the show, with all expenses paid, from April 15 to May 15 this year. Contestants will be part of the top 20 gospel stars from around the world competing for the top prize.
Monde Twala – vice president for youth, music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa) – said in a statement: “BET Africa is a platform built on the pillars of black culture and black excellence. We are all about creating opportunities for Africans to showcase their talent on a global stage. Gospel music is at the heart of our culture and this will be showcased in the upcoming season of Sunday Best. I encourage all the talented hopefuls to put their best foot forward during our local auditions.”
The South African leg of the auditions will be at The Newtown Music Factory – formerly known as Bassline on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 8am CAT.
Here thousands will face local celebrity judges such as Pastor and gospel singer Benjamin Dube, vocalist Kelly Khumalo, gospel star Mahalia Buchanan, radio personality Thami Ngubeni and more – who will select the next big gospel sensation.
Gospel hopefuls can also audition for this opportunity by submitting video entries via social media across the BET Africa platforms, using the hashtag #SundayBestAfrica.
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