Young Tunisians pack 'Star Academy Maghreb' auditions

2009-10-13

If the Tunis competition to become a "Star Academy Maghreb" finalist is any indication, young people are ready for a new season of talent and triumph.

By Jamel Arfaoui for Magharebia in Tunis — 13/10/09

[Jamel Arfaoui] Girls in Tunis line up to audition for "Star Academy Maghreb".

Hundreds of competitors, all vying to make it to the finals of "Star Academy Maghreb", crowded into Tunis' Africa Hotel on Saturday and Sunday (October 10th and 11th), dressed to impress the competition's judges and earn a spot on the show.

Even girls in veils came to compete for a spot on the hit show's second season, a fact that intrigued both the other hopefuls and passers-by.

"My classmates can fill me in on the lessons I missed, but the chance to take part in 'Star Academy' can't be missed," said Basma Marayhi, 17, who confessed to skipping school that day. Marayhi said she was encouraged to audition by a friend who knew about her "talent and aspirations".

The contenders underwent a round of tough tests, all conducted in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and overseen by the staff of Nessma TV, the programme's creator.

Candidates were handed a two-page leaflet containing 66 questions, including questions about the search for true love in their life, their families and careers, any past run-ins with the law, and even their allergies. The competitors were also asked to describe their typical day, their experiences in life and how they handle failure.

The questionnaire was preceded by a reminder that successful finalists have to free up their time completely for an entire four-month stretch, and must not be bound by contracts with any audiovisual production company.

This year's show promises new thrills, according to Nessma TV staff.

"I was surprised this year to find candidates choosing to perform Tunisian and Maghreb songs, in contrast with the previous season, where Lebanese songs obviously had the upper hand," the show's technical producer, Amal Samawi, told Magharebia in a statement about second-season "Star Academy Maghreb" developments. "We're delighted to hear contenders say that their choice is influenced by the Maghreb songs often aired by Nessma TV. It's indeed our objective to bring Maghreb art back to the spotlight."

"What's also new this season is that we're working with an exclusively Maghreb staff," said one of the Nessma TV staff running the auditions, Samawi. "The technicians and supervisors of the tests are all from the Maghreb, as opposed to the previous season, when the European presence was prevalent." She added that over 500 people were taking part in the qualifying rounds in the capital.

"This is a good opportunity to learn more about myself and for people to get to know me," said law student Sayeda Gallasi, who hails from upscale Carthage.

"I like the arts and I love to perform songs," said Gallasi, who planned on auditioning with the Tunisian pop tune "Alla Allah". "My family and friends told me I have a good voice and a nice stage presence. This is an opportunity to test their appraisal."

As she prepared to face a panel of four judges, Gallasi said she was ready to sacrifice a whole year of university studies if she made it to the finals. "This is a venture that's worth all kinds of sacrifices," she said. "We shouldn't forget that these days, art is the fastest track to glory."

Medouni Amal, a student of high-tech from the less-wealthy area of Zahrouni, who planned to perform "El ain elli matshofekshi" by Lotfi Bouchnak, told Maghrebia that "Star Academy" was a chance for people like her to make it to the top.

"I wish people would get to listen to my sweet voice and I wish I'd get to enjoy their love," said Amal, as she tried to control her jitters before meeting the panel. "I'm scared, but at the end of the day, what have I got to lose? It's yet another new experience in life."