Zambia’s Tiwamyenji Phiri was crowned as the 2016 Airtel TRACE Music Star winner by US international Pop/R&B superstar Keri Hilson.
With over 2.7 million registered calls this year, Airtel TRACE Music Star is the biggest competition to take place in Africa and centres on searching for the continent’s newest and most talented star.
The competition amongst the 10 finalists was fierce, with Tanzania’s Melissa John beating Madagascar’s representative Johanna Rakotomavo to take second place. The night offered great talent but finally it was Tiwa whom the celebrity judges, Keri Hilson, Briant “BeeHigh” Biggs and Fally Ipupa voted as Africa’s next top talent.
Phiri’s win followed a magnificent rendition of “When You Believe”, the song from the 1998 DreamWorks film The Prince of Egypt, originally recorded by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
Phiri’s prize includes a record deal with a major label; mentorship for a year with singer/songwriter, actress and record producer Keri Hilson, for a total value exceeding $500,000, as well as worldwide media exposure through the various TRACE platforms.
“I look forward to working with Tiwa over next year and to share of the knowledge and experiences I have acquired in the music over the years,” says Keri Hilson.
