The road to fame and fortune in music could be made much easier and faster on the platform of Star Quest talent hunt reality TV show. That is, if you possess the prerequisite talent to win the competition.

That appears to be the revelation from the past three editions of the competition, if the successes so far recorded by the singing duo of KC Presh, D’ accord, and D’ Jewels band in the music industry is anything to go by.

With the very hectic audition concluded last night on the programme, the 36 ‘survivors’ of the screening and selection exercise, drawn from various parts of the country, emerged to square up for the titanic music warfare at the Star fameland. An exclusive hide out in one of the choicest parts of Lagos state.

They were all seen in joyous moods, rejoicing over their call up while looking forward to the main contest that is bound to change their career in music for the better. Evidently, they all have their eyes glued to the desired fame and fortune that will come their way if the band they belong wins the competition.


 



 
Although not many of the contestants believed the exercise could be as free and fair. As one of them said, “I never expected I will make it here” another declared that he was so surprised when he received the call to turn up for the competition.
 
The 36 finalists later rode in a convoy of flashy cars with siren blaring motor-bike escorts provided by men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) to a glamorous red carpet reception at the Star Fameland where they were received by top management staff of the host company; Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc; led by the Marketing Director, Mr Wouter Fijnaut and other top dignitaries comprising top Nigerian artistes and Journalists.
 
The welcome party at the Star Fameland did not just end with wining and dining. Each of the contestants was introduced to the audience to showcase his or her talent that qualified him or her for this year’s edition of Star Quest.



   
 



 

Question: What was your experience during Star Quest 2007?
Answer: Star Quest 2007 in my opinion was the biggest and the best TV REALITY SHOW for that year.
The experiences are too overwhelming to itemize. However it is important to note the following:
a) My approach to handling issues with musical talents had to change because all 36 contestants were not only good at what they do, but also had myriad flavors of the art of music. So I got very exposed to different personalities and concepts.
b) I got into the competition with the 'Nigerian factor in mind, thinking that there would be some reduction of standard or favoritism for some individuals or group, but was very impressed to see every contestant treated equally and also amazed at the impersonal and professional
approach the competition took.


Question: So how has it been thus far?
Answer: Normally, It has been very challenging but equally interesting. We had the opportunity to perform at the 2007 Star Mega Jam along with international artistes likes T Pain and Kanye West. Also during Star Trek in 2007, we got exposed to other parts of Nigeria while performing with popular Nigerian artistes across 10 major cities.

Question: Tell us about your new album.
Answer: The self titled album "D'Jewels" is in my opinion a good example of the different genres of Nigerian music (as at when we recorded) and has songs proactive enough to be in any timeless classics compilation e.g. Promised land and "Iya". The 9 tracker also has a modicum of Creoles and lingua from
different parts of the country.

Finally, I encourage you to grab a copy for yourself and see if all I have said is true or not. Also send your comments to askforthejewels@yahoo.com

Question: What does the future hold i.e. plans for the future?
Answer: The future is a combination of endless possibilities and I see a very bright future for the group and other Star Quest winners, if they can remain united. D'Jewels intends to change the music industry with their original concepts of music and also diversify into other branches of the entertainment
industry. We also intend to run a charity organization geared towards helping young talents in the industry.

Question: what advice/counsel would you give to aspiring musical talents in Nigeria?
Answer: Give your best during the competition and don't compromise your standard for anybody or anything. However, do all this with humility.
Finally, do not cheat or attempt to cheat. Do not break any rule because you would definitely get caught.

I wish you all the best.