A star-studded lineup of celebrities has been selected to search for the next generation of talent in an upcoming reality show set to hit the screens soon.
Leading the charge for the show will be an all-star lineup of the country’s most renowned entertainers, including comedian Eddie Butita, TV host Amina Abdi, and music superstars King Kaka, Size 8 Reborn, and Motif the Don.
These household names have been tapped to host, judge, and mentor contestants on their journey to stardom in a new StarTimes show dubbed ‘Next Super Star’.
The celebs were unveiled during the official launch of the show over the weekend at a star-studded ceremony at the Pullman Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi, which attracted high-profile figures from both the entertainment and government sectors.
Notable attendees included StarTimes CEO Jimmy Carter, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Jacob Fikirini, and Kenya Film Commission CEO Timothy Owase.
During the launch, Jimmy Carter revealed that StarTimes has invested a whopping Ksh100 million into the production of the show, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing and elevating Kenyan talent.
“Next Super Star is not just a competition—it’s a launchpad for young creatives, offering them exposure, mentorship, and the opportunity to shine on a national stage,” Carter said, adding that the show will feature 13 live episodes, 13 mid-week episodes on Rembo TV, and will culminate with 18 contestants walking away with prizes valued at over Ksh1 million.
The competition, which is set to premiere on May 3, 2025, will provide contestants the opportunity to perform and showcase their talent before a panel of judges, including the legendary King Kaka, gospel singer and media personality Size 8 Reborn, and renowned producer Motif the Don.
These celebrity judges will have the monumental task of choosing the next big star in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Amina Abdi, who will co-host the show alongside Eddie Butita, expressed her excitement about being part of such a game-changing initiative.
“This is a show that is all about giving young talent the chance they deserve. We’re excited to be part of something that will help shape Kenya’s creative future,” Amina shared.
In addition to the star-studded judging panel, the show has garnered significant backing from the government, which is committed to bolstering the local creative economy.
Jacob Fikirini, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, emphasised the government’s role in nurturing Kenya’s creative industries.
“Programs like ‘Next Super Star’ are in line with our vision to empower youth and promote talent through the creative industry. We believe this initiative will go a long way in job creation and economic growth,” Fikirini noted.
Timothy Owase of the Kenya Film Commission also spoke on the broader impact of the show.
“This is a step toward making Kenyan talent recognized not just locally, but internationally as well. It’s all about investing in our young people and creating opportunities that will benefit Kenya’s future.”
In a country where the youth are often seeking avenues to express their talents, the ‘Next Super Star’ initiative is more than just a show—it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring stars looking to break into the entertainment world.
Martin Oduor
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