South Africa’s get’s it’s own version of Lip Sync Battle
|||Munya Vomo
PARTNERSHIPS between e.tv, MTV (DStv channel 130) and MTV Base (DStv channel 322) have resulted in what will be a huge show on the free-to-air platforms.
After the success of the US version of Lip Sync Battle, hosted by LL Cool J, Africa becomes the next home for the show.
Last week, LL Cool J and MTV announced online that Africa would receive the spin-off of the show. Not much has been said about who our “LL Cool J” will be, but we have a few suggestions.
When the American show was launched in South Africa, MTV Base held a mock lip sync battle which saw several local celebrities, including Khanyi Mbau, Amanda du Pont and Tol A$$ Mo, mimic the real singers as the music played. This was the first taste we had and perhaps the footage went back to the US and it was decided that the programme should be made for the African continent.
Sizwe Dlomo might be the first choice, given that he is MTV Base’s longest-serving VJ. Dlomo has a vast musical knowledge, not only because he is a VJ, but also because of his illustrious career on radio.
Another good choice as host would be Siya Ngwekazi, who is a good friend of Dlomo’s. The TV and radio personality has so much energy the only thing we should worry about is him forcing his way into the competition and forgetting that he is the host. Scoop, as they call him, could easily do that because he loves his music more than most people in broadcasting.
Or we could go with a rapper since LL Cool J is one. AKA is not a bad choice, given that he has made several TV appearances and showed how comfortable he is in front of the camera. He has a great sense of humour and would not be afraid to tell the celebrities what he really thinks about their performances.
Since LL Cool J hosts with Chrissy Teigen, we would need a co-host for whomever ends up winning the hosting spot. Several ladies are in the running. Bonang Matheba has had a good relationship with MTV Base so it is likely that they will approach her. She is currently not doing much on TV so it would be great to see her take on this one. She is also on a first-name basis with most top local celebrities and their rapport would translate well on TV.
MTV Base’s Nomuzi Mabena is another strong contender. Like Bonang, Nomuzi rarely makes use of the auto-cue as she prefers to run her own lines. This makes her comfortable and flawless in her presentations. The only problem is Nomuzi has a music career to look after so she might need to find extra time for this show.
Her good friend, Nomzamo Mbatha, could be asked to take on the role. After coming second in the MTV Base VJ Search, there is no denying that Mbatha made lemonade with her lemons when she didn’t win
“We are thrilled to partner with e.tv on localising Lip Sync Battle for an African audience, with its amazing energy and authentic charm that has celebrities lining up to take part and viewers clamouring for more,” said Dillon Khan, Head of MTV, Africa.
He was supported by e.tv’s Channels Division MD, Monde Twala: “We are extremely excited about this ground-breaking partnership. Lip Sync Battle Africa is a fresh and entertaining format. It’s an extension of e.tv’s goal to bring the viewers fresh, home-grown content with a special twist.”
Lip Sync Battle Africa airs on MTV, Thursdays from April 14 at 8.50pm and MTV Base at 11.30am, then Saturdays from April 23 on e.tv at 6.30pm.