The Nairobi SGR Terminus was transformed into a vibrant hub of musical talent on Saturday as over 100 women auditioned for the second season of 'Sing for Africa'. The competition, which is exclusively for women, is part of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The winner of this year's competition will receive a Sh1 million prize, a trip to China, and a fully sponsored recording deal. Aspiring female musicians filled the SGR Terminus, replacing the usual sounds of trains with their voices and the applause of onlookers.
The auditions provided a platform for these women to showcase their musical abilities and pursue careers in the creative industry. Organisers say the programme aims not only to discover musical talent but also to provide contestants with professional experience, international exposure, and access to new markets. Zhu Simeng, an organiser and official from Hunan TV International, explained that the competition seeks to unearth young talent in Kenya and across Africa, while also helping successful contestants build sustainable careers.
This year's competition follows a successful inaugural season that featured male contestants. Zhu revealed that two male contestants from the inaugural competition have travelled to China, where they have participated in television programmes and music festivals, gaining a significant following in China. They have also used their appearances in China to promote Kenyan culture, including Maasai clothing and accessories. The organisers intend to continue the cultural exchange through the second season, helping talented performers transition from competition to professional careers.
The Nairobi Terminus was chosen as an audition venue due to its accessibility and the diverse population it serves. Kerita Irungu, a journalist and international business specialist with Hunan TV International, stated that auditions have already taken place in Kibera, Embu, the University of Nairobi, and the Kenyatta University Confucius Institute. The next audition is scheduled for Central Point in Nairobi's CBD. Irungu explained that the competition is trying to reach a wide audience and give people from different economic and social backgrounds an opportunity to participate.
The competition will unfold in several stages. Contestants from the preliminary auditions will vie for places in the Top 100 before being assessed by professional judges, with public voting also playing a role in determining who advances. For AFRISTAR, the company operating the railway service, supporting the competition aligns with its corporate social responsibility programme. Winrose Wachira, AFRISTAR's CSR Coordinator, emphasised that talent development is crucial for supporting individuals beyond their academic and professional achievements.
Several Kenya Railways and SGR employees also participated in the auditions, including Senior Train Operations Assistant Damaris Mutinda. Mutinda disclosed that she discovered her singing confidence through performing at church and incorporating songs into her Chinese language teaching. If she emerged the winner, she would like to use part of the Ksh1 million prize to support her students who are learning Chinese by sponsoring their classes and providing learning materials.
For Nigerian student Itohan Thomson, who learned about the competition only a few weeks ago, the audition represents an opportunity for personal growth regardless of the final outcome. Thomson added that the competition is helping her overcome stage fright and build confidence in performing before an audience. The organisers reiterate that the ultimate goal is to empower talented individuals to discover their full potential.
Key points
- The competition aims to provide contestants with professional experience, international exposure, and access to new markets.
- The winner of this year's competition will receive a Sh1 million prize, a trip to China, and a fully sponsored recording deal.
- The programme seeks to unearth young talent in Kenya and across Africa, while also helping successful contestants build sustainable careers.
