Tusker Nexters, the talent platform by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL)’s flagship beer brand has taken a step towards an exciting conclusion.
Backed with the adjudicating panel of Eric Wainaina, Nadia Mukami and Buddha Blaze, the 3 had a difficult time whittling down the 19 talented semi-finalists from across the country down to 10.
The spectacle saw the 19 Tusker Nexters music semifinalists from across the country whittled down to 7. The artists selected to proceed to the next stage were rappers Veryl Mkali Wao from Nakuru, TK Lyon from Kisumu, and singers Bakhita from the Rift region, Lexxie and Angachi from Mombasa, Zaituni from Nairobi and Kamwana from Kisumu. In addition to the judges’ decisions, the audiences were also given an opportunity to have their say in the adjudication, with votes coming in via SMS messages on the night. These votes were crucial for Mombasa-based entertainer Angachi, who had initially been eliminated from the final group. All this made for an exciting semi-finale experience for the crowd at the Carnivore Grounds, as well as the audience tuned into the action, which was streaming live on YouTube.
The Tusker Nexters journey has been ongoing for the last 5 months since it kicked off in March 2022. These young talents from across the 5 regions of Kenya auditioned for the chance to stake their claim on the title of Tusker’s next star. It has been a gruelling experience that culminated in the Nexters gathering in Nairobi, where they went through an intense schedule of practising and honing their skills in preparation for the July 21 fete. The group also underwent sessions where players from the Kenyan music industry give them Masterclasses on a range of pertinent topics, such as building their personal brands, monetizing their content and how to go about building a career as an artist in Kenya. These sessions took place in between the Nexters rehearsal sessions.
Said Tusker Senior Brand Manager, Catherine Twesigye, of the event: “We have said repeatedly that Kenya has long been an incubator for some of the most exciting artists in the region. Tusker, on the other hand, has always held the hands of talented Kenyan artists, and supported them to be the best versions of themselves. The Tusker Nexters platform is no different. As we continue to celebrate 100 years of existence, we have done it with these young talents in music. These guys have talent and then some. Resilience as well, to be able to withstand the journey thus far, which has been long and hard for them, being away from their families and the tough rehearsal schedule. Tonight, we have met the group that will proceed to the finals of the music competition. Each one of these young ladies and gentlemen has worked extremely hard, and they are ready for what comes in the future. I am really proud of all of them.”
The Tusker Nexters platform will continue to unearth and support young Kenyan pioneers and trailblazers in a variety of fields, ranging from music and performing arts to sports.
About the Tusker Nexters Talent Search:
The Tusker Nexters campaign was launched in March this year as part of a broader initiative to celebrate Tusker’s 100-year anniversary by identifying and rewarding the next generation of musical talent, as well as give a platform to the next era of sport; eSports, or electronic sports.
All the information on the journeys of the Tusker Nexters to date is available on Tusker’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Get acquainted with the young talents, and support their work, and come out and see who will be crowned as the final three music Nexters.
