The show kick-started with the Kenyan auditions that saw 13 hopefuls making it through to the next round. Those who got the golden ticket to continue in the tough competition from Kenya include Antony Mwangi, Priscilla Mmbone, Victoria Njeri Mutheka, Maureen Peris Atiena, Kariuki Gathiu, Wangui Kanyotu, Irene Njuguna, Jackson Irungu, Mukuni Mulundika, Doris Onyango, Patricia Kihoro and Christine Adda. DStv has screened the Tanzanian auditions, which saw only four individuals making it to the next round. Auditions for Uganda and Zambia are scheduled to run on April 13 at 18:30 (CAT-E), and 20:30 (CAT-W), with the Zimbabwean auditions following the next day. Episode five is the one that most Batswana will be waiting for, as it will feature Botswana auditions on April 20. Malawi's auditions will be done on the same night. M-Net will run the show throughout April. Viewers can also catch the show on channel 198, which broadcasts Idols 24/7, as well as on Africa Magic.
The show is, of course, quite entertaining, with its three judges simulating the characters of the American Idols judges. The judges charged with the big responsibility of making-or-breaking singer wannabe's dreams to keep sparkling, include Botswana's very own award winning hip-hop artist, Thato aka Scar Matlhabaphiri, Kenya's radio DJ Angela Angwenyi and Zambia's music producer, TK Siyandi. The judges, just like the American Idols judges, are of course, harsh in their comments with Scar making more crushing remarks about those he reckons do not possess what it takes to make it into the next phase of this popular music talent show.The current presenter of the show is Zimbabwean student turned TV's Man-of-the-moment Lebogang Mzwimbi.
