Nigerian music legend D’Banj and South African entertainment superstar Pearl Thusi will host Lip Sync Battle Africa, the first localised format of the multi-platform, pop-culture phenomenon to air on the continent.
Pearl Thusi will serve as all around host and “master of ceremonies”, while “Koko Master” and “Oliver Twist” star D’Banj will step up as the “colour commentator”, adding his lively observations to the proceedings.
Announcing the hosts for the show, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, stated that Lip Sync Battle Africa will premiere in April 2016 on MTV Base.
The critically acclaimed and awardnominated Lip Sync Battle, originally created for Spike, features celebrities going head-to-head, lip-syncing the song of their choice, battling for the coolest bragging rights on the planet.
Multi-talented actress, radio DJ, model and television personality, Pearl Thusi, is a fixture on the South African entertainment scene.
The beauty currently stars in popular South African soap opera Isidingo in the recurring role of Palesa Motaung, as well as cohosting Live AMP with DJ Warras and Luthando Shosha.
For Pearl Thusi, “Lip Sync Battle is such an incredible social, cultural and media sensation, I am so excited to be a part of bringing it to African audiences.” D’Banj commented that, “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.”
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, VIMN Africa, said, “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, 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”.
