A total of 119 aspiring actors, singers, and dancers participated in Safaricom's Hook Hip Hop Musical auditions at Mama Grace Social Hall in Kisumu over the weekend, marking the third stop of a national talent search. The initiative, a collaboration between Safaricom and Nairobi Performing Arts Studio, aims to empower youth through creative opportunities. Stuart Nash, producer and director of the project and one of the judges, emphasized the program's goal of providing
The auditions in Kisumu, which drew participants aged 18 and above, advanced to a callback stage where performers showcased singing, dancing, and acting skills. Five local talents—Michael Jonnes, Victoria Ojiayo, Stephen Ochieng, Brian Oloo, and Janet Amoke—were selected to compete in Nairobi's national finals. Brian Oloo, a dancer, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating it boosted his confidence to pursue his passion. Nash confirmed that successful auditionees would have travel, accommodation, and rehearsal costs covered, with the national finals slated for December after rehearsals from January to March at Kenya National Theatre. The production will then tour the country, including Kisumu.
The initiative includes free workshops in acting, music, and directing led by practitioners like Gadwill Odhiambo, Hellen Mtawali, and Nash himself. These sessions, part of the
Safaricom's national search will continue in Nakuru, Kenyatta University, Eldoret, Mombasa, and Nairobi, with final selections based on talent quality. The program, under the theme
Kenya News Agency by Mabel Keya-Shikuku and Chrispine Onyango Oduor