It’s time for the first audition session for M-NET’s IDOLS WEST AFRICA as the ultra-hip global music reality show now hits Ghana.

The first audition session will be held in Accra on January 20TH at the Guest Hotel in East Legon. Registration for auditions in Ghana will be held on the 20th and 21st only so make sure that you are ready and waiting at the venue on the day for your chance to participate. Remember places are limited so get there early on the 20th to have your auditions processed.

Who can enter IDOLS WEST AFRICA? Any person between the ages of 18 and 30 on 1 January 2007, who are residents of the following West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo); and who do not have an existing recording contract of any kind, may enter the search.

And here are some tips for would-be IDOLS WEST AFRICA candidates –

* You should definitely dress to impress the judges. And this doesn’t have to be designer gear but fashion that shows your style, creativity and unique personality!

* Choose your audition song wisely and know the words to ensure that you show off your vocal talent in the best possibly way. During the audition phase, entrants can sing from a wide spectrum of music including traditional, western, english, Nigerian, African, Pop, Reggae, R’nB and rock, though Idols entrants should be aware that the show is looking for a pop star.

If a contestant is selected to proceed into the Theatre, Group and Top Ten phases, they must be able to sing in Pop, African and Western, including English language songs.

The auditions in Ghana will run for several days after the all important registration day on January 20th so contestants may be asked to return for audition in the days following January 21st.

However, failure to register for auditions on January 20th means one will not be allowed to enter thereafter.

Auditions are being filmed for later broadcast on M-Net by Pan African Entertainment, the Nigerian TV company responsible for producing the show. For more information on the auditions or for info on IDOLS WEST AFRICA.