MTV Base searches for VJ in South Africa

The MTV Base VJ Search for South Africa’s next superstar VJ has begun and MTV Base (322) in partnership with Breezer, saw thousands of talented youngsters who Live Life In Colour all hoping to clinch the title as the next MTV Base VJ.

One entrant, 25-year-old Melody Miya from Katlehong, had arrived at the auditions at 05:00 and said he was “super excited” to audition.

“This is a life changing opportunity to contribute to an ever growing community driven by music, culture and fashion. I am ready to be the next MTV Base VJ,” he said.

Another entrant from Pretoria East, Fahtso Baby, said: “It’s my looks that make me distinctively different, my thickness, my height and my style all make me stand out.”

Like the brand’s alumnus Sizwe Dhlomo, Vanessa Mdee, Sandile Ntshingila, Ehizojie “Ehiz” Okoeguale, Nomuzi Mabena and Fikile “Fix” Moeti, these wannabe VJs got a chance to prove to a panel of expert judges of the nationwide MTV Base VJ Search that they have what it takes, when they shot their on-camera auditions at the first audition round that took place at Zone 6 in Soweto, south of Johannesburg on Saturday morning.

MTV Base VJ Search auditions will continue next Saturday in Durban on Saturday 10 June, Cape Town Saturday 17 June and conclude in Port Elizabeth on Saturday 24 June before the finalist is announced on Thursday 6 August 2017. The winner will be awarded a 12-month contract as an ambassador for the network and also stands a chance to host MTV Base shows and interview some of the biggest music stars in the world at international award shows such as the Video Music Awards (VMAs), European Music Awards (EMAs), and The MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). They are expected to have a passion for global and African youth culture and music, and must be authentic and “live life in colour”, just like the network’s audience.

Monde Twala, Vice President for BET, youth and music commented: “Jozi came alive this weekend, we are humbled by the turn-out and love from all the young people who came out to showcase the best of South African talent. VJ Search is a true reflection of the power of the MTV and MTV Base brand on the continent. MTV VJ Search provides hope and inspires ability for the youth to reach for their dreams. We are proud of each and everyone who came out to the Soweto auditions ”.

Category Head for Breezer, Asia Middle East and African markets, Anshuman Goenkasaid: “Breezer lives life in colour and this is a brand that acknowledges the freedom of expression and boldness that our consumers embody, and it fuels this freedom, which is what we saw today in Joburg.

The bright colours of our Breezer flavours express diversity, passion, excitement and fun which is what this partnership between Breezer and MTV Base VJ Search reflected in these auditions, that saw many African youth live and make their bold statements while living life in colour”.

Following auditions will be held at these dates and venues:
Saturday 10 June: Olive Convention Centre, Durban
Saturday 17 June: Belmont Square, Cape Town
Sauturday 24 June: The Beach Hotel, Port Elizabeth.

Registration for the MTV Base VJ Search auditions starts from 08:00 each venue. Applicants are encouraged to be on-site early as auditions will take place on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be South African residents between the ages of 18-25 with fluent English. Prior presenting or TV experience is not required.  Applicants must bring a valid ID with them and be available to participate in the elimination phases of the competition between Wednesday 24 May and Sunday 30 July.

For full terms and conditions, to download the audition script and to view online submissions, please go to www.mtvbase.com and follow the link to the MTV Base VJ Search microsite. To upload a video entry, please upload a 90 second video clip (.m4v, .mp4 format) to www.mtvbase.com, or post your Audition Video (or a link to it) to your social media account (Instagram, Facebook, Google+ or Twitter or all of the above) using the hashtag #MTVBaseVJSearch.