Wanavokali which is a popular Kenyan acapella group that has made a name for themselves as one musical force that most people with other musicians reckons with.
The group that comprises six musicians have been representing Kenya in the continental competition dubbed ‘Ols Mutual Amazing Voices in South Africa’ among the other two groups from Kenya.
The powerful group has Chep, Lena, Mella, Riki, Sam and Ythera as members and they are currently flying the Kenyan flag high after they won the first season of Old Mutual’s “Amazing Voices Africa’ in South Africa.
“Guys WE WON!!!!!” Wanavokali said on social media, “Thank you so much for the votes and support, 100,000 USD is coming hoooome!!!”
This means that the now powerful, respected and talented musical group that started out as background vocalists and officially came together through the Safaricom Twaweza Live in 2018 have 10 million Kenyan Shillings to kickstart their mainstream, professional music career making them one of the most sought after music group not only in Kenya but across Africa.
“A massive CONGRATULATIONS to Wanavokali (Kenya) for winning the Old Mutual #AmazingVoicesAfrica and the $100 000 prize. Thank you for sharing your voice with Africa and here’s to doing more great things every day.” Old Mutual said sharing their season one winner of ‘Amazing Voices Africa’.
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One member, speaking with Faith Kyoumukama on PD Online revealed that the group would want to work with established musicians in the country after working with the established musician, Collo G.
“We look up to them as they’ve been making great strides in the industry for the past 10 years.” said, Riki “We would also love to work with Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones and Muthoni Drummer Queen,”.
Wanavokali can’t wait to bring back the money in the Kenyan economy and also release some original projects coming soon rather than later.
Evidently, Wanavokali is bound to take over the music scene not only in Kenya but across the African continent now that they have already gotten themselves real fan base in South Africa.
The competition is designed to discover unsigned singing talent from across the African continent – Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa – and across three genres – gospel, pop, and R&B.
The other two highly talented groups in the final round were Simply Six, a gospel group and Afrikariz, a pop group, both from South Africa.
The members of the winning group were elated about their win. “We are beyond excited and grateful,” said Ythera Ghege, Wanavokali group leader. “Now Africa gets to see Kenya as a musical force. This competition has affirmed our limitless potential and helped us to lift our country flag high. We are so excited and happy about the opportunities that are coming. The sky is now the limit!”
Carol Kipsanai, Group Head of Marketing and Communications East Africa said: “We warmly congratulate Wanavokali on their well-deserved win and for carrying the Kenyan flag high. We thank all the contestants for outdoing themselves and achieving amazing levels of greatness and we are excited about their futures. It has been fantastic supporting people who genuinely aspire to become their exceptional best. We can’t wait to make Season Two even bigger and better.”
The Old Mutual Amazing Voices show began airing in January 2020, following a grueling audition process that kicked off in September 2019. During the course of the competition, contestants benefited from the guidance and mentorship of the show’s music director, Zwai Bala.
They also picked up valuable advice on responsible money management at financial education workshops hosted by Old Mutual.
The final round in the contest was broadcast on Sunday evening on DStv channels Mzansi Magic in South Africa, Maisha Magic in Kenya, Africa Magic in Ghana and Zambezi Magic in Zimbabwe. The winner of Amazing Voices Africa competition was voted for by public vote across all the countries and was audited by Deloitte.
