This March, DStv’s only original Pan-African lifestyle channel, HONEY, introduces viewers to the continent’s future influencers in the new reality competition series, The Next Big Trender.
From 19 March, the search is on for Africa’s hottest influencer. Five aspiring social media stars, from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa, will go all out to win over opinionistas, the show’s panel of judges and, most importantly, their online followers and TV audiences.
In each episode the contestants will show off their content creating skills with a sneak peek into their daily lives. The aim? To trend, lead and influence the social conversation. The most impressive influencers, as scored by the judges, proceed to subsequent rounds in a competition that runs over eight episodes. The Next Big Trender is hosted by actress, model and presenter Anele Zondo, who rose to stardom when she joined Mzansi Magic’s Friday night music show, Massive Music, and 1Magic’s telenovela, The River.
Meet the judges:
Actress, media personality and TV host Khanyi Mbau is one of South Africa’s original social media queens and a household name. She brings the slay factor to the judging panel, along with originality, experience, wisdom and sass.
Rapper, songwriter and host of the Naked Room on Channel O, Zimbabwe-born Nadia Nakai got her big break when she featured on Riky Rick’s Amantombazane hit remix, and she’s broken the internet several times with her daring social media posts. This multi-faceted talent brings her witty comebacks to the show along with first-hand experience of how to captivate audiences on television and online.
Online comedian and entertainer Olalekan “Lekan” Olaleye is a Yoruba language and cultural values flag-bearer in Nigeria and the third judge on the panel. Olalekan’s popularity grew from comedy skits shared on social media. He will bring this perspective to the contestants’ challenges and provide some comic relief.
Meet the Contestants:
Nadia Matovu – Uganda
Nadia is a businesswoman and lifestyle content creator from Uganda. She is the CEO of Seventeen18 Concepts, an events company in Kampala known for throwing lavish, high-end parties. The daughter of Ugandan tycoon Charles Mbire, Nadia is an it girl and the envy of Uganda’s social and business scene.
Precious Omoregie – Nigeria
Multi-talented Precious is a lawyer, entrepreneur, model, foodie, and a beauty blogger with an eye for creative make-up. For her YouTube channel she creates content that focuses on beauty, self-empowerment, plus-size fashion.
Sheila King’ori – Kenya
Sheila is a fashion, food and lifestyle content creator from Kenya. Her YouTube channel is all about positive content to entertain and inspire her viewers. She also has a blog, www.pearlsandloaf.com, that is dedicated to enjoying the finer things in life, from food and fashion to travel and leisure.