Kenya’s creative economy is set for a major boost with the launch of a new talent search initiative, Next Super Star, designed to discover and nurture the next generation of entertainment talents from across the country and the continent.
The vibrant launch event in Upper Hill, Nairobi, attracted leading figures from the creative sector and highlighted the growing support for youth innovation and artistic development. Next Super Star is scheduled to premiere on 3rd May 2025 and will run through August, delivering an exciting season of 13 live episodes and 13 mid-week episodes.
Airing exclusively on Rembo TV and Rembo Plus, the show will be hosted by renowned media personalities Eddie Butita and Amina Abdi Rabar. The judging panel will feature celebrated artists King Kaka, Size 8 Reborn, and Motif the Don. Their combined experience promises to bring both expertise and inspiration to the contestants.
With over Sh100 million invested into its production, Next Super Star aims to provide an unparalleled platform for young creatives. Eighteen participants will have a chance to walk away with prizes valued at over one million shillings each, positioning the show as one of the biggest opportunities for upcoming talents in the region.
Focusing exclusively on singing, the competition will offer mentorship, national exposure, and a direct pathway into the entertainment industry. Contestants will receive guidance from seasoned professionals and have the opportunity to build careers with solid foundations.
The initiative is deeply aligned with the national vision of empowering youth and strengthening the creative economy. It reflects broader efforts to create opportunities where talents are not only discovered but also transformed into sustainable careers. Recognizing the creative sector as a driver of economic growth, the programme underscores the government’s commitment to investing in young people’s potential.
The show’s organizers stressed their commitment to delivering high-quality, locally relevant content that resonates with Kenyan and African audiences. They also emphasized the critical role of partnerships between the public and private sectors in unlocking the full potential of the creative industries.
Beyond offering entertainment, Next Super Star is seen as a strategic move to revitalize the Orange Economy — a sector representing arts, culture, and creative industries — by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and injecting new capital into the economy.
This project is expected to set a new benchmark for talent search shows in Kenya, combining entertainment with empowerment. By investing heavily in production quality, mentorship, and rewards, Next Super Star aims to nurture homegrown stars who can compete on both local and international stages.
As excitement builds ahead of its premiere, there is a palpable sense of optimism that Next Super Star will not only transform individual lives but also inspire a broader cultural shift that places greater value on creativity as a cornerstone of economic development.
