Ofm And Select Musiek Partner For Truck Talent Competition

As the official record label sponsor, Select Musiek will play a pivotal role in shaping the career of the competition's winner. The winner of the OFM Truck Talent Competition will sign an exclusive development recording agreement with Select Musiek for a one-song deal, OFM and Select Musiek say.

The one-song deal includes:

• professional songwriting and composition
• recording and production
• official release and distribution
• marketing and PR support, and
• airplay on OFM.

The selected artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with world-class songwriters, producers and musicians, backed by  Select Musiek, the duo says.

"We are offering an Artist Development deal — the winner gets the opportunity to work with our team and record and release a professional song. This is the same path that artists like Kurt Darren, Brendan Peyper and Wentzel have followed," says Ernst Kleinhans, General Manager of Select Musiek, who was also the winner of an OFM talent competition in 1994.

"I was lucky enough to win the competition and get a record deal; it opened the doors for me to a sustainable career behind the scenes," Kleinhans adds. OFM's Truck Talent Competition offers a rare opportunity for emerging artists. According to Kleinhans, the key is to be unique. "Don't try to be someone else. Bring your own style and passion to the stage. We are looking for people who are themselves and who can captivate the audience," Kleinhans says.

OFM Programme Manager, Tim Thabethe, says this partnership between OFM and Select Musiek marks a significant step in nurturing local talent and providing aspiring artists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to launch their music careers.  "OFM has had a long-standing relationship with Select Musiek that dates back to the nineties. This partnership shows a commitment to music and to those who have the talent for it. Through the OFM Truck Talent campaign, we'll leave no stone unturned to find the next talented Central South African to take centre stage," Thabethe says.

During March, OFM says it will take to the road with its brand-new Showride outside broadcast unit, giving aspiring singers across Central South Africa a chance to shine.

Here's how it works:

• Every Wednesday and Thursday, OFM will visit different towns in search of raw vocal talent.
• Contestants will step onto the Showride stage to showcase their singing abilities.
• Those who impress the judges stand the chance to win the grand prize: a professionally recorded song and national exposure.  

To participate, entrants must: 

• Be 18 years or older as of March 2025.
• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid ID.
• Possess a strong singing voice and engaging stage presence.
• Be relatable, confident and comfortable performing in public.
• Sing in Afrikaans and / or English.

Participants acknowledge that:

• The judges' decisions are final.
• OFM reserves the right to disqualify entrants who fail to comply with competition rules.
• The winner must sign an exclusive recording agreement with Select Musiek.
• Select Musiek and OFM retain rights to the winner's competition-related performances and promotional materials. 

For more information, visit www.ofm.co.za. You can also follow OFM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor