BET Africa travel between South Africa and Nigeria in the hopes of finding gospel voices

BET Africa (DStv 129) is opening up the industry this year with a gospel talent search in South Africa and Nigeria scouting the next best and biggest local gospel singer to join BET in the USA for the production of the ninth season of Sunday Best gospel music show.

Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, Sunday Best is a BET original production that gives amateur gospel singers an opportunity to perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges, who have previously included the likes of Mary Mary, Bebe & Cece Winans and Donnie McClurkin.

This year, BET Africa will travel between South Africa and Nigeria in the hopes of finding angelic gospel voices who will be selected to participate in the show, with all expenses paid, from 15 April to 15 May this year. Contestants will be part of the top 20 gospel stars from around the world competing for the top prize.

Commented Monde Twala, Vice President for Youth, Music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa): “BET Africa is a platform built on the pillars of black culture and black excellence. We are all about creating opportunities for Africans to showcase their talent on a global stage. Gospel music is at the heart of our culture and this will be showcased in the upcoming season of Sunday Best. I encourage all the talented hopefuls to put their best foot forward during our local auditions.”

Auditions will be at the Market Theatre – The Barney Simon Theatre on the Thursday, 28 March from 08:00. Here thousands will face local celebrity judges such as Pastor and gospel singer Benjamin Dube, vocalist Kelly Khumalo, gospel star Mahalia Buchanan, radio personality Thami Ngubeni and more – who will select the next big gospel sensation.

Gospel hopefuls can also audition for this opportunity by submitting video entries via social media across the BET Africa platforms, using the hashtag #SundayBestAfrica.

Said Bishop Benjamin Dube: “Gospel music is something that unites people around the world and Sunday Best testifies to this. Africa is rich with gospel talent, I’m looking forward to seeing what participants at the auditions have to offer.”