The talent hunt was officially launched on Monday, February 16, at This Present House, located on Freedom Way in Lekki.
Dr. Tony Rapu, the visionary behind this initiative, shared his goal of building an inclusive environment where gospel artists from all walks of life can elevate their musical journeys.
“The Rising Stars Gospel Talent Hunt is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of faith, music, and community,” Rapu stated.
“We aim to uncover hidden talents, provide opportunities for growth, and build a thriving gospel music scene.” The talent hunt will run over a 12-16 week period, featuring a structured process that includes online auditions, physical auditions, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a grand finale.
Participants will start by submitting a one-minute video of themselves singing a Nigerian gospel song on Instagram, tagging the official competition account. The videos that garner the most audience engagement will be selected to perform live and demonstrate their vocal talents.
A prestigious panel of judges, featuring acclaimed gospel artists such as Mike Abdul, Tosin Martins, and Lala, along with music producers and industry professionals, will evaluate the contestants in each round.
In the grand finale, the top five finalists will compete for cash prizes of N3 million, N2 million, and N1 million, respectively. Beyond the monetary rewards, winners will also receive recording contracts, mentorship from leading gospel artists, and opportunities to perform at significant gospel events.
Pastor Dele Balogun highlights that this talent hunt focuses not only on musical skills but also on personal and spiritual development, providing contestants with valuable insights into leadership and navigating the music industry.