Official sponsors of the first edition of the Sunbird Search for a Star, AXA Bus Company and Sunbird Tourism Limited, have pledged for the support the second edition of the music talent identification event next year.
The companies made the pledge during a cocktail party at Sunbird Mount Soche organised to give honour the three winners of this year’s edition, Adrian Kwelepeta, Chisomo Nteteka and Ruth Magona, and the journalists who covered the competition consistently.
In his speech, Sunbird Tourism Limited chief executive officer Rodger Gardener said Sunbird Search for a Star Season was a success and it achieved what it set out to, by producing a new star in Adrian.
He said his office is impressed with the way E-Wallet managed the competition and the support other sponsors and the public gave.
“We are very impressed. Sunbird believes in giving back to the community and there are a number of projects that we run to support the community. Developing and exposing young talent is another area we are concentrating on and hence supporting the Sunbird Search for a Star.
“We are also proud of the support the media gave to the competition. I can inform the nation that we are supporting season two of the competition next year and we promise a lot of surprises in the competition,” said Gardener.
During the duration of the competition, Sunbird hosted and fed the contestants for three days at its hotels and accommodated them during each eviction show. AXA Bus Company ferried the contestants to and from Blantyre and Lilongwe during the competition.
AXA’s group marketing manager Peter Chisale said Sunbird Search for a Star created more fun and entertainment for the nation and they will make sure they support the return of the competition next year.
During the event Adrian, Chisomo and Ruth received K500 000 (US$1 193), K300 000 (US$715) and K200 000 (US$477) respectively.
In the media awards, Nation Publications Limited journalist Albert Sharra was named the best print journalist while Eileen Chimoyo of Capital Radio emerged first for radio.
They were both recognised for following the show consistently. Mathews Malata of MBC TV was also recognised for objective and creative new features on MBC TV.
They all received various prizes from Sunbird and AXA Bus Company.
