MTVBase in search of a new VJ

On Tuesday, 26th June 2012, MTV Networks invited us to the launch of the new and latest MTVBase VJ Search. Taking place at the intimate and classy ENVY at Mandela Square in Sandton, the launch was attended by media, artists and other VIPs, including Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa.

You may remember that when MTV Networks launched in South Africa and the Subsaharan, they embarked on a big search for the very first VJ and face of the channel. That honour eventually went Sizwe Dhlomo, who was the compeer on Tuesday. A year or two later, the very first female MTV Networks Africa VJ, Fikile Moeti, affectionately known as Fix, joined the family. To represent the continent on a larger scale, MTV Networks expanded their search to other African countries. That particular search spawned Tanzania‘s Vanessa Mdee in 2007. There has since been more presenters from different parts of the continent.

The music channel, together with their radio partner, Metro FM, are back at it again, looking for a young, fresh, enthusiastic South African to carry the baton from the previous remarkable presenters. At the launch on Tuesday, they also revealed the judges who will be analysing the contestants throughout the process. These judges are SABC Live presenter Bonang Matheba, Hip-Hop star HHP, TV presenter and DJ Azania Mosaka and MTV Creative Director Tim Horwood.

Commented Bonang Matheba, “I am so excited to be a judge in the 2012 MTV Base VJ Search. It’s tough to break into the entertainment business, so this is a fantastic opportunity. I started my own TV career at the tender age of 15 so I know how much raw, untapped talent is out there just waiting to be found… I know we’re going to find someone out of this world!”

She is not in the country, so she was not in attendance at the launch. A clip which was supposed to be a video but technical issues only rendered the audio, was played for us.

“This has got to be the best gig in TV,” commented Sizwe Dhlomo, “Winning the first MTV Base VJ Search totally changed my life and it’s great that we are offering the same opportunity to new kids on the block who want to get their break into the entertainment business.”

Sizwe quizzed the judges and Alex after announcing the news about the search. He also shared his experienceas the long-standing presenter and face of the music channel.

“A passion for youth culture, an engaging personality and lots of energy and confidence are just some of the key attributes that we are looking for,” commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa. “But the most important quality required in an MTV Base VJ is that they should have the ability to communicate with and connect to our audience.”

If you feel you have what it takes, check out the details below for the audition process:

As you can see above, the auditions for Durban and Cape Town will kick of simultaneously on Saturday, 14th July. A week later, on 21 July, Jozi hopefuls will get their chance to try out. Registration opens at 9:00 am in each location. The auditions will be on a first come, first served basis so you are encouraged to arrive early.

Please also note that the MTVBase VJ Search is open to South Africans aged between 18-25, who speak fluent English and who have a clean criminal record. Prior presenting or TV experience is not required. You must be available to participate in the elimination phases of the competition between 24-28 July 2012. For full terms and conditions, or to download the registration form, please go to www.mtvbase.com and follow the links to the MTV Base VJ Search page.

The MTVBase VJ Search will air weekly on MTVBase from Tuesday, 7 August 2012. The grand finale will take place in October 2012.

All the best to you if you’ll be vying for your dream.

Below are some of the peeps that attended the launch and we managed to snap.

DJ Dimplez was there with Jam Alley: Crew Vs Crew‘s Nolly. Speaking of DJ’s, when we got there, DJ Vigilante was on the decks, but he played old, crappy music.

Socialite, radio personality and ‘model’, Eda Rose showed up. She’s hot!

Rapper J.R. posing with one of the MTVBase VJ Search judges, HHP.

Alex Okosi delivering his speech. I liked the banter between him and Sizwe. They seem to have an outstanding working relationship.

Two thirds of Teargas attended. For many times now I’ve seen just they Ma-Eezi and KO at events. I did hear that Ntukza has a family so he doesn’t do much of the partying.

Azania and HHP, two of the judges, answering some questions from Sizwe.

Sizwe quizzing Tim Horwood, one of the judges. One thing I found interesting was when Azania mentioned that she started TV presenting with Tim.

I asked Sizwe for my obligatory photo and he obliged. He wanted to stand but I said I’d take it as he was. He then said he actually does prefer sitting.

2 Comments

1. 

   sizi

   June 29, 2012 at 2:53 pm

   I am so excited for the audition. what a solid platform for go-geters like myself. Thank u Mtv Base

2. Pingback: And then there were three? Who’ll be the new MTVBase VJ | YEAHBO.DOT.NET