New stars storm Fameland in Lagos
By SEGUN AJAYI
Friday, April 18, 2008

Deft hands on the drums, scintillating guitar tunes, sonorous and deep baritone voices laced with rhythms of the keyboard, all these rent the air recently as 36 housemates of this year’s edition of Starquest Musical Talent hunt/Reality show were ushered into Star Fameland in Lagos, amid fireworks. The talents who were drawn from across the country had scaled through the screening exercise, which held in four different zones.

With eyes set on stardom, some of the budding talents who comprised vocalists, drummers, keyboardists, guitars, and horns-men would emerge with the latest band in the land, courtesy Nigerian Breweries Plc prime brand, Star. Not only that, NB Plc, organizer of the show, have stepped-up the take-home prizes for the eventual winner. In addition to the N5 million record deal, the winner of Starquest 2008 will also have in their kitty, N3.2 million spending money, a sport utility vehicle (SU V) car among other prizes.

Meanwhile, it was not until last Saturday night that the artistes had their baptismal outing in Fameland as they showcased their individual talents on stage.

At the show which had as compere, Djinee of Ego fame, the artistes took their turns to do what they know best, following thrilling performances by last year’s winner of the talent hunt show, The Jewel Band.

Some of the contestants stamped their authorities on the show during the brief showings. This year’s selection may, however, pose a challenge to the judges considering the number of talents on display. As for others, the remaining 13 days in the house would be crucial, as they would be taken through different areas of music. Interestingly, the night recorded the presence of big stars like Weird MC, Ruggedman, and the first winner of Starquest; KC Presh, who served as inspiration to the new housemates.