It’s going to be extra cash for another batch of entertainers, who have been added onto the Safaricom Live band wagon, for five months of concerts across the country.

 

Coupled with professional training to hone their natural talent, the artistes will be rewarded for their time and effort as they spread their wings to reach as many fans as possible in exclusive concerts organized by Safaricom.

 

Camp Mulla, Jaguar, Size 8, Jimmi Gait, Sauti Sol and comedian Jalang’o will provide a good mix of genres when they kick off the concerts in Meru, before performing in Kisumu, Mombasa and Eldoret and winding up with a massive extravaganza in Nairobi on December 15.

 

Whereas last year, the concerts were the main thing, this year a lot of focus will be placed on techniques like voice control and choreography, which presently contribute to the glaring gap between seasoned artistes in the music industry and the shy, talented newbies.

 

Two weeks prior to each of the concerts, the newly signed artistes will be involved in rigorous preparations to make their performances a roaring success.

 

While launching the Niko na Safaricom Live! Campaign last night, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said; “Safaricom is committed to growing local talent and that is why we have invested over Sh250 million in it. Kenyan artistes are talented and we are providing them with a platform to deliver world class entertainment that will connect with millions of youth and Kenyans across the country.”

 

Safaricom promises that the six “Made for TV” concerts will also involve production of local content by the musicians which will be ‘marketed through Safaricom Live portal and Skiza on mobile phones.’

 

Some of last year’s Safaricom Kenya Live artistes including Wyre, Nameless and Mike Rua, among others will have their contracts renewed and make guest appearances at various venues during the 5-month rollout.

 

According to the contracts, the artistes will be allowed to travel for concerts overseas during the months in question, as long as it does not clash with the dates for the local performances.