A group of innovative young Namibians put their heads together to conceptualize a local reality singing competition called The Search, with a faintly stalkerish slogan that goes ‘We Will Find You’.
The formidable show will air on the national broadcaster, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) from October 2020, seeking to find the next “sensational star across Namibia” and reward them a cash prize of N$100 000. The show will focus on vocalists in any musical genre including choirs, hip hop, rap, RnB, dance hall, reggae, etc., from across the Land.
NBC will broadcast all 16-episodes of The Search season 1 on its prime time channel NBC1 and on its streaming platform NBC Plus. Each episode will be approximately 60 minutes.
Right now, the only prize will be the N$100, 000 cash prize, however, according to the show’s spokesperson, Ndapewa Ambambi, they are looking at record deals for the winner amongst other “cool stuff.”
Ambambi shares that the idea for the show was birthed 3 years ago. “We took time to do a lot of research, planning and we are also a small team so resources didn’t just fall on us we had to dig deep. In addition to that we have a 5 year plan with regards to the show,” she says.
The Search was officially launched on 18 August 2020. Here’s how the show works:
CONCEPT
The initiative that was birthed about three years ago by a group of innovative young people had to go through transformation with the two pilot shows already shot, to make sure a quality product will be delivered to the Namibian audience. The 16-episode reality show, in association with the NBC and ConSoAV will connect with viewers and promises entertainment value.
The three months reality show will have four phases, mainly:
Phase 1:
This stage will allow contestants to submit videos to judges. Where judges will give their verdict on talent. Current cycle closes on 31 August 2020.
Phase 2:
This phase is about instrumental backing. Here, it is cut down to 30 contestants only.
Phase 3:
The 30 contestants will compete to qualify for phase 4. At this stage, contestants will start to receive professional input from industry experts and perform semi-live performances.
Phase 4:
This will be the live rounds, starting with 14 contestants and ending with with the overall winner. They will perform live with the band and backing vocals receiving input from industry experts.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Phase 1:
Judges will look at ‘raw’ talent, skill level and vocal texture.
Phase 2:
Special focus on organizing performance. Song choice for performance. Presentation with performance. Vocal texture with performance and how to work with a team for performance.
Phase 3:
The judges will look at stage presence. Performance energy. Task execution. Vocal texture. Contestants will perform on theme base.
Phase 4:
Criteria will be based on stage presence. Audience engagement. Vocal texture. Vocal capabilities. Band and backing vocal support. The contestants will perform their renditions of Namibian songs.
JUDGES
Edo Lutete a.k.a Dice (Musician), Lady May Africa (Musician) and Daniel Nadunya (Journalist/Music Producer) are resident judges on the show. Each episode will have an extra-special guest judge.
namibinsider.wordpress.com 