….First local version of lip sync battle to air in Africa from April 2016.
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa today announced the hosts for Lip Sync Battle Africa, the first localised programme of the multi-platform, pop-culture phenomenon to air on the continent.
Nigerian music superstar D’Banj and South African entertainment personality Pearl Thusi will host Lip Sync Battle Africa, a critically acclaimed TV show that features celebrities going head-to-head lip-syncing to the song of their choice. Pearl Thusi will serve as all around host and “master of ceremonies”, while the “Koko Master” will step up as the “colour commentator”, adding his lively observations to the proceedings.
The award-nominated Lip Sync Battle, originally created for Spike, features celebrities competing against each other in a lip-sync contest to their chosen song, battling for the coolest bragging rights on the planet.
Commenting on his involvement, D’Banj said, “It’s an honour and a privilege to be hosting Lip Sync Battle Africa. I’m excited, willing and ready to entertain the continent on such a great platform. I am looking forward to seeing how well my fellow celebrities battle each other and entertain the world.”
Pearl Thusi on her part added, “Lip Sync Battle Africa is such an incredible social, cultural and media sensation, I am so excited to be a part of bringing it to African audiences.”
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, VIMN Africa, commented, “We are thrilled to translate this global hit franchise to Africa for the first time. With huge personalities such as D’Banj and Pearl Thusi at the helm, Lip Sync Battle Africa cannot fail to emulate the success of the franchise in the United States, and spin-offs in other territories such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Chile.”
Speaking on behalf of MTV Base, Ifeoma Williams, Country Manager, VIMN Africa said,
“With great chemistry between our hosts and a fantastic line-up of contestants from across the cultural spectrum, Lip Sync Battle Africa is guaranteed to capture the attention and affection of our audience in Africa. Whether you are 15 or 55 years old, you’ll be “lip syncing” in the car, with your friends, or in the shower. We hope and expect that people will take to social media and tag each other to start battling each other with #LSBChallenge.”