Daystar University’s Daniel Chikwaza with Wyre and Lyra
Daystar University’s Daniel Chikwaza, a second year communication student is the winner of the second edition of Samsung Ziki Stars, taking home a fully sponsored single and one video courtesy of Samsung Electronics East Africa .This comes after three weeks of intensive auditions across three universities.
Daniel staved off strong competition to emerge tops beating six contestants from three universities- Kenyatta University, USIU and Daystar University at the grand finale at Skylux.
In the finals, seven contestants; Lensa Alila and Maureen Kanana from Kenyatta University, Daniel Chikwaza and Young Noiz from Daystar University, Elizabeth Rege, Halima Nsangou and Lisa Mugera from USIU had to fight for the top prize and honors as the Samsung Ziki Star.
Halima Nsangou was the first runners-up while Elizabeth Rege is the second runners-up. Young Noiz from Daystar University won the judges award for his boom boxing talent earning himself a one off opportunity to record with King of Benga – Dan ‘Chizi’Aceda and gifted music producer – Chris Adwar.
“I want to thank Samsung for providing a platform for aspiring artists to display their prowess in music and to all my fans who have believed in my talent, I will not disappoint you,” said Chikwaza, after being announced the winner.
Daniel will immediately head to the studio to work on his first single and video under the mentorship of Kevin Wyre who is the Samsung’s Brand Ambassador .The new single will be released in two weeks’ time and the video at a later stage.
Samsung Ziki Star which was inaugurated in 2011, saw Lyra Aoko emerge winner of the competition. As winner of the Samsung Ziki Stars, she made an entrance to the music scene with a collabo with Wyre called “Happy” which has propelled her musical career.
Lyra’s career looks promising as she has already worked on a new single “Ni Wewe” and also features in songs with leading artists like J ’Mani and Collo –“Radio Love” and Nick Mutuma –“254 Anthem.
Speaking at the grand finale, the Samsung Electronics East Africa Business Lead – Corporate Marketing, Patricia Kingori said the competition was bigger and better this year with over 700 students auditioning for the top honors as the Ziki Stars.
“Ziki Stars is finding its place as one of the leading and most engaging youthful talent search. We are slowly and steadily growing in scope and scale in delivering authentic musical talent in the country’s entertainment platform and are thrilled to be champions in innovation not only of technological discovery but also talent in the country’s entertainment platform,” said Kingori.
The second edition of Samsung Ziki Stars was courtesy of its recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy Music handset-the first music smart phone that reinforces the need to capture the hearts of music lovers who are in the market looking for an affordable smartphone.
The Samsung Galaxy Music runs on the latest operating platform, Android 4.0 (Ice-Cream Sandwich) and boasts some serious features that will make any music loving consumer want to own it.
