When Pop Idol was released by Sony Entertainment Television in 2001, it became an instant hit. This British music competition has captivated the attention of the global audience, which is why it did not take long before it expanded around the world. India is one of the countries where this international TV franchise became a household name.
Indian Idol was shown not only in India. Even outside of the country, the show is popular. One of the countries where it has a following is in Kenya. Keep on reading and we’ll let you know some of the reasons why such is the case.
A Big Indian Community
The popularity of Indian Idol in Kenya can be attributed to the fact that there is a sizable community of Indians in the country. This is perhaps the most obvious reason why the Indian Idol is such a big entertainment hit in this East African territory.
It has been more than a century now that Indians have been present in Kenya, even assuming significant roles in the country’s political and economic landscape. In fact, according to The Indian Express, the Indians are the 44th tribe of Kenya. Even outside of Nairobi, the country’s capital city, there are many Indians.
For the Indians in Kenya to feel like they are at home, one thing that they do is they watch Indian Idol, and hence, making the series popular. It should be noted, however, that Indian Idol is not shown in any TV network in Kenya. Good thing, you can have it streamed regardless of where you are in the world. You can watch Indian Idol online even on your phone or laptop.
Absence of an Idol Franchise
While the Idol franchise already expanded in many countries around the world, there is no local version in Kenya. This is perhaps another reason why it is enjoying a great deal of popularity in the country, even amongst people who are not of Indian descent.
However, it is also important to note that while there is no local version in Kenya, there is one in East Africa. The show is called Idols and has contestants from the East African region, which include countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Seychelles, Rwanda, and of course, Kenya.
Reality Shows are Big in Kenya
One of the mainstays in Kenyan television is a reality show. The country may now be imitating American culture because of the traction that reality TV is gaining. There are many shows that delve on the realities of life, which most people find easy to relate to compared to dramas with unrealistic plots. Some of the most popular reality shows in Kenya include a series that explore the life of socialites, one where men cook food for their family, and another show about Kenyans who have achieved global success and dominance.
Because of the popularity of reality TV shows in the country, it goes without saying that Indian Idol is also a hit. Again, despite the absence in local TV channels, you can always watch it online, whether you are in Kenya or in another country.
Love and Lack of Good Music
Safe to say, the Kenyans have a love for music. However, according to The Daily Nation, the problem is that Kenyan music is often poorly composed. Even the locals are bashing the music of their own artists. Worst, local music is not having enough airtime in radios as most of the songs played are from Nigeria. There are also limited collaborations.
With this love and lack of good music, there is another reason why shows like Indian Idol are popular in the country. It gives the people a different kind of music, one that is far from the East African genre. It opens their eyes to a new world of music through a reality show.
Love for Drama
Aside from their love for music, Kenyans also love drama. In fact, one of the most-watched television shows in the country is Machachari. The latter is a local drama that is shown once a week.
Indian Idol is basically drama, but the difference is that it is a real-life drama. The persons involved are real humans and not fictional characters. The drama and the tension are there, which can also be attributed as another reason why it is well-loved in a nation that puts a heavy emphasis on drama as a form of entertainment.
Countless Reasons to Watch Indian Idol
Before we end this post, let us take a quick look at some of the reason why Indian Idol is popular in general, and not just in Kenya. Among others, one of the reasons would be the fact that this is the tenth season. The show has been around for a decade in India. For it to last that long, it must have been doing something that is right, which allowed it to captivate the attention of its audience.
More so, another big draw of the show is the roster of judges, which include Neha Kakkar, Vishal Dadlani, and Anu Malik, among others. Kakkar used to be a contestant and for this 2018 season, he is already one of the judges. This is a first in the history of the Idol franchise, which makes the show more interesting.
Sensational talent is also expected to shine in this season of the Indian Idol, which is why it is popular even in Kenya. The job of the judges is about to get harder as they try to trim down the show’s contestants.
Even the host of the show is exceptional. It is hosted by Maniesh Paul, who is known not only for his handsome face but also for his brand of comedy. With this, you can expect that it is not just all about beautiful voices but also laughter and jokes.
Lastly, the popularity of Indian Idol can also be attributed to the fact that each episode features an inspiring story, showing that anyone can dream big and that there is a platform where a person can fulfil these dreams.