Eight axed in Search for a Star
Eight music wannabes kissed goodbye to the K500 000 (US$1 351) top prize in the ongoing Sunbird Search for a Star talent show after being evicted on Saturday night.
During the eviction show that took place at Sunbird Capital’s marquee, voters sent Matthews Osman, Lizzie Chisoma, Tayamika Mwanyama, Asante Ndalama, Thoko Luwe, Chinsinsi Banda, Chiyanjano Maimba and Elija Gausi packing while Lekani Folotiya was eliminated for not turning up for the show.
However, the night was not short of drama and surprises as some contestants sang their lungs out but off key. Others lacked stage work and confined themselves to a small space on the stage while other performers were too rigid and shy.
“This is what normally happens in the early stages of the show. But I am hopeful the contestants will get better as the competition progresses. Even the level of talent is lower than last year’s, but perhaps this is because the show is in its early stages,” said former judge Qabaniso Q Malewezi.
New judge Alinane Mphande partly shared Malewezi’s views that the show has started on a low note in terms of contestants’ performances.
“Based on today’s performances, there are a number of contestants who would have done better and, of course, we have seen others improving. But perhaps they were under pressure which is obvious in any competition that is just starting,” she said.
Sunbird group sales and marketing manager Titania Katenga Kaunda said they are happy with how the show has started.
“The show is taking shape and the contestants are doing their best. The judges as well are doing all they can to encourage the youngsters on the path they have chosen,” she explained.
According to Katenga Kaunda, an independent team from Malawi Broadcasting Cooperation and Sunbird auditors are responsible for handling the voting process.
The next eviction show takes place on November 2 in Blantyre. People are encouraged to vote to save their star by sending an SMS indicating the number of their favourite contestants to 50505.
