Kenya’s Creative Economy Gets a Boost with Launch of ‘Next Super Star’ Talent Search

Kenya’s creative industry has received a major boost following the launch of Next Super Star, a new talent search initiative designed to discover and nurture the next generation of entertainment stars across the country and the continent.

The vibrant launch event, held in Upper Hill, Nairobi, was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy Jacob Fikirini, Kenya Film Commission (KFC) CEO Timothy Owase, and several key figures from the entertainment sector.

Set to premiere on 3rd May 2025 and running through August, Next Super Star promises an exciting entertainment journey with 13 live episodes and 13 mid-week episodes. The show will air exclusively on Rembo TV and Rembo Plus, with celebrated personalities Eddie Butita and Amina Abdi Rabar hosting. The judging panel will feature King Kaka, Size 8 Reborn, and Motif the Don.

Backed by an investment of over Sh100 million, the production aims to offer young creatives a substantial platform, with 18 contestants set to win prizes valued at over one million shillings. Focused solely on singing, the competition will offer participants mentorship, exposure, and an opportunity to launch their careers nationally.

Speaking at the launch, PS Jacob Fikirini praised the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the government’s vision for youth empowerment through the creative sector.

“We are determined to create an environment where youth talents are recognised, nurtured, and transformed into sustainable careers. Initiatives like Next Super Star fit perfectly into our agenda of building a vibrant creative economy,” Fikirini said.

He further reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to revitalising the creative and Orange Economy by supporting projects that drive investment in the film and entertainment sectors.

KFC CEO Timothy Owase also hailed the project, emphasising the critical role of the creative economy in job creation and national development.

“The creative industry holds immense potential to inject capital into our economy. By investing in talent, we are investing in Kenya’s future. Next Super Star is a bold step towards awakening the Orange Economy, and the Kenya Film Commission is proud to support it,” Owase remarked.

The organisers of Next Super Star underscored their commitment to producing high-quality, locally relevant content and stressed the importance of strong public-private partnerships in unlocking the full potential of Kenya’s creative industries.