The search for Africa’s next star begins

The search is on for Africa’s hottest influencer. Five aspiring social media stars, from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa, will go all out to win over opinionistas, the show’s panel of judges and, most importantly, their online followers and TV audiences to be crowned The Next Big Trender.

In each episode,the contestants will show off their content creating skills with a sneak peek into their daily lives. The aim? To trend, lead and influence the social conversation.

The most impressive influencers, as scored by the judges, proceed to subsequent rounds in a competition that runs over eight episodes.

The Next Big Trender is hosted by actress, model and presenter Anele Zondo, who rose to stardom when she joined Mzansi Magic’s Friday night music show, Massive Music, and 1Magic’s telenovela, The River.

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Meet the judges

Actress, media personality and TV host Khanyi Mbau is one of South Africa’s original social media queens and a household name. She brings the slay factor to the judging panel, along with originality, experience, wisdom and sass.

Rapper, songwriter and host of the Naked Room on Channel O, Zimbabwe-born Nadia Nakai got her big break when she featured on Riky Rick’s Amantombazane hit remix, and she’s broken the internet several times with her daring social media posts. This multi-faceted talent brings her witty comebacks to the show along with first-hand experience of how to captivate audiences on television and online.

Online comedian and entertainer Olalekan “Lekan” Olaleye is a Yoruba language and cultural values flag-bearer in Nigeria and the third judge on the panel. Olalekan’s popularity grew from comedy skits shared on social media. He will bring this perspective to the contestants’ challenges and provide some comic relief.

Meet the contestants

Nadia Matovu – Uganda

Nadia is a businesswoman and lifestyle content creator from Uganda. She is the CEO of Seventeen18 Concepts, an events company in Kampala known for throwing lavish, high-end parties. The daughter of Ugandan tycoon Charles Mbire, Nadia is an it girl and the envy of Uganda’s social and business scene.

Precious Omoregie – Nigeria

Multi-talented Precious is a lawyer, entrepreneur, model, foodie, and a beauty blogger with an eye for creative make-up. For her YouTube channel she creates content that focuses on beauty, self-empowerment, plus-size fashion.

Sheila King'ori – Kenya

Sheila is a fashion, food and lifestyle content creator from Kenya. Her YouTube channel is all about positive content to entertain and inspire her viewers. She also has a blog, www.pearlsandloaf.com, that is dedicated to enjoying the finer things in life, from food and fashion to travel and leisure.

Lharley Lartey – Ghana

Lharley is a lifestyle, fashion and beauty content creator. She’s one of the fastest-rising photographic models in Ghana, winning over thousands of followers with her striking looks and unique style.

Kutlwano Motla – South Africa

Kutlwano juggles being an advocate and a member of the Johannesburg Bar with a career as travel content creator. This leading travel blogger and lover of luxury has seen her social media communities grow with entertaining food content and her popular #cocktailsaroundtheworld series on Instagram.

Watch The Next Big Trender Fridays at 17:00 WAT, 18:00 CAT and 19:00 EAT on HONEY (DStv channel 173).

HONEY (DStv channel 173) is available on DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact.To upgrade your account or to get DStv, click here.