The 2008 edition of the hit music talent show, Nescafe African Revelation (NAR) promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable editions yet. This year’s competition has seen an increase in the number of participating countries. Regional and national competitions have already been held in the various participating countries and 8 incredibly talented young groups have emerged for the pan-African finale in Ivory Coast, on March 28.

Nescafe African Revelation is a competition that seeks to discover and promote young talents in Africa. It provides a unique platform for young groups/duos to launch their musical careers in predetermined markets across West Africa. Since its inception in 2005, NAR has produced consummate and prolific artistes including the KORA Music Award winners, Praye from Ghana.

The 8 finalists for this year’s competition are: BA2M (Cameroon), Les Famiens (Ivory Coast), Zigui (Gabon), Echo (Ghana), AMJ (Mali), Wonkoye (Niger), Mc Boudeur (Senegal) and Phoenix (Nigeria). Each of these groups brings to the competition their unique styles including Hiplife, reggae, R&B, and a blend of afro traditional jazz and contemporary music. Certain groups have a point to prove because they failed to make it this far in past editions of NAR in their various countries. Les Famiens have competed 3 times in Ivory Coast and Echo competed in the 2006 edition in Ghana.

If the competing songs already engineered by some top producers in Africa are anything to go by, then certainly NAR 2008 is going to be a keen contest. Visit the Nescafe website to view music videos of all finalists and vote for your favourite to win.