Nigerian star D'Banj and SA’s Pearl Thusi are excited to host Lip Sync Battle Africa, and are the ‘perfect combination’.
|||After building up suspense for almost a week, MTV Base and ETV revealed that Nigerian singer-songwriter D'Banj and actress and model Pearl Thusi will be at the helm of Lip Sync Battle Africa.
The show has become a phenomenon around the world after it was launched in the US with rapper LL Cool J and model Chrissy Teigen as the hosts.
The two are hoping to bring an African flair to the competition where two celebrities come on and battle each other by lip synching and dancing to popular songs.
When the announcement was made at a press conference in Highlands North, Joburg, Thusi came out in a colourful Maxhosa by Laduma two-piece outfit. With her trademark afro framing her face, she said: “It happened so quickly. They got in touch with me and we spoke and went through negotiations while I did the research and watched the show more thoroughly.”
Thusi will be the main host and her co-host, D'Banj was beaming with excitement at the task at hand.
“I'm an entertainer and a businessman. This time around when I got the call and I was told what I would be doing, I said, 'dis a no gon' be work o! This is for my enjoyment.'
“I have my corner, my Koko Lounge where I'll sit and watch this sexy kokolet do her job. Then I get to add my own 50 cents about how the contestants have performed. But pretty much I'll just be chilling.”
Wearing a navy velvet suit and dark shades, he complemented Thusi non-stop and called her sexy a number of times.
“I hope I will be able to concentrate,” Thusi said laughing.
The singer is the alleged ex-boyfriend of Thusi's rival, Bonang Matheba.
Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & 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.”
Keshni Rajoo, Head of Local Productions at e.tv, which will also screen the show, said: “Pearl Thusi and D'Banj are the perfect combination of hosts for Lip Sync Battle Africa. The high-energy format of the show will be complemented by the two hosts who are massive stars of the entertainment industry on the African continent. Our home-grown talent will be given the opportunity to show off their lip sync skills alongside some of the biggest names in Africa.”
lerato.mbangeni@inl.co.za
The Star