Published 2/13/2009 3:55:00 AM

Star Quest 2009 begins

Ayeni Adekunle


Very soon, the band that‘ll take the crown from 2008 Star Quest winners, Diamondz, will emerge.

That‘s because the organisers have set the ball rolling for this year‘s contest. And this year, a whopping N3.5M cash, and N7.5M recording contract are up for grab by the winning band.

Star Quest is a music talent hunt show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries. Usually, wannbes are selected from around the country, and put together in a house to slug it out; competing in musical contests that are seen in homes across the country.

Although the concept has now been adjusted to encourage live band performances, when it started in 2002, the objective was to discover solo acts. KC Presh won the debut edition.

Since its return (following a brief hiatus), other winners have emerged, including the Jewels, D‘accord and Diamondz. But, although the organisers lavish the winners with media attention, money and regular patronage, none of the recent winners have gone on to achieve career successes.

Part of the problems, according to pundits, is that most members of winning bands have prior commitments they are reluctant to let go of (school, work, etc); the bands are not configured to churn out the kind of pop music favoured by fans these days; and- expectedly- no rival beverage brand will touch any star quest talent; same way Nigeria Breweries have refused to include 2face Idibia in any of their year-long nationwide concerts because of his relationship with Guinness.

Also, it is a generally accepted fact that groups and bands are more difficult and expensive to manage.

It is expected that the organisers will look into these challenges as the 2009 edition plans to kick off.

As has now become the practice, the winning band this year will also get a mini van, and one year accommodation in Lagos. The idea, according to the organisers, is to make sure band members stay together, as they take time to bond and plot a future for their career.

But unlike previous editions, no online registration is required to participate this year. “Entry into the Star Quest is free and open to individuals between the ages of 20 and 30,” said Yusuf Ageni, NB Corporate Affairs Adviser in a statement released this week.

To qualify, applicants must possess demonstrable proficiency in at least one vital area of music: instrumentation, vocals or songwriting. 36 finalists will emerge from six zones within the country and assembled at the star fame land for one month.

lalaboi:

@Eite. . .

Do u watch star quest in the UK? biko what channel?

lalaboi:

i tot dose stations are not as they are in nigeria. . . .or are they?. . . . .what time does did u watch it?

buttercop:

did anybody watch the auditions. oweri pple were pathetic seriously and thier judges were not very nice. paul ik dairo was one of them and one guy sang his song, that " it's burning my heart, it's burning my soul" song can't remember the title. i was ashamed for the guy. he had to cover his face while the boy say. i'm even watching star quest right now. the bands are singing. one girl is spoiling kelly and nelly's "dilemma". the band 100 degrees is so full of fine pple. the lead singer is cute and the two girls in the band and hot black beauties