Safaricom Hook has taken its search for Kenya’s next generation of performing artists to Kisumu, where regional auditions for the Hook Hip Hop Musical were held over the weekend at Mama Grace Social Hall.
The auditions, held on Saturday and Sunday, were the third stop in the national talent search following earlier auditions in Kakamega and Embu. The Kisumu event attracted dancers, musicians and actors aged 18 and above, giving young creatives a chance to showcase their skills and compete for an opportunity to feature in the musical.
Five performers emerged from the Kisumu auditions and secured a place in the next stage of the competition in Nairobi. They are Michael Jonnes, Victoria Ojiayo, Stephen Ochieng, Brian Oloo and Janet Amoke.
For the successful contestants, the auditions provided more than a chance to compete. They also offered an opportunity to gain confidence and learn from other creatives.
Brian said he was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Safaricom Hook Hip Hop Musical Audition and to have my talent recognised here in Kisumu. This experience has given me the confidence to keep pursuing my passion, and I am excited to take what I have learnt to the next stage of the competition.
The Kisumu stop also featured free practical workshops aimed at helping young performers improve their skills. Participants took part in acting, music and directing sessions led by performing arts practitioners Gadwill Odhiambo, Hellen Mtawali and Stuart Nash.
The workshops are part of Safaricom Hook’s wider focus on talent development, giving young creatives practical skills, confidence and an opportunity to strengthen their craft. The regional auditions are also designed to bring together different voices, experiences and creative ideas from across Kenya. By taking the search beyond Nairobi, Safaricom Hook and Nairobi Performing Arts Studio are giving emerging artists from different regions a chance to be discovered.
The eventual musical will combine singing, acting and dance, while the talent search will also produce original stories and behind-the-scenes content to be shared on Safaricom Hook’s social platforms and Baze.
Judge Gadwill Odhiambo said the Kisumu auditions showed strong creativity and determination among the participants.
For the performers in Kisumu, the auditions offered a chance to showcase talent, learn new skills, meet fellow artists and move closer to their creative goals.