Get ready for a new generation of talented Kiwi musicians! WhitebaitMedia have announced Take The Mic, a brand-new music video competition for emerging New Zealand singers and songwriters between 15-18 years old. Airing on TVNZ2 from Monday, 19th September, this docu-series will highlight some of Aotearoa’s fresh new talent and provide them with insight from music professionals, putting them on a platform to become stars.

Hand-picked from over 200 entries, 12 Kiwi kids were chosen by music video director Connor Pritchard and musician Mikey Dam to be supported by industry experts as they make their own music videos. Performing a mix of original music and covers, the show provides a spotlight for an age group who are starting to think about pursuing music as a career.

Each Monday, audiences will watch as judges Connor Pritchard and Mikey Dam select four contestants ready to begin their musical journey. With episodes every weekday at 4:05pm, the rest of the week’s episodes will give audiences a chance to meet the lucky entrants, visit them in their hometowns and ultimately, see their final music video. We’ll travel around the country to meet the diverse pool of teenagers, who hail from Hamilton, Tolaga Bay, Dannevirke, Wellington, Nelson, Methven, Christchurch, and Auckland. After three weeks of meeting the contestants, Kiwis will get their say in a public vote on Friday October 7th. The top three will then go head-to-head to come out on top and take out the Take The Mic 2022 crown.

Connor Pritchard has worked with some of Aotearoa’s most respected musicians, creating bespoke music videos for artists including Six60, SWIDT, Melodownz, JessB and many more. His work has earned him various accolades in New Zealand and abroad. Mikey Dam is a Kiwi singer-songwriter who has carved his own brand of therapeutic pop-tinged R&B that is always underlined with real life experience and honesty. His track ‘Time’ solidified his place in the industry, going on to co-write the widely loved song ’Not My Neighbour’ with Niko Walters, now certified platinum in NZ.

Producer Emma Martini comments on the show: “Working with these incredibly talented and passionate teenagers to bring their vision to life has been really rewarding for our team. These young adults are not celebrated enough on screen. We thank TVNZ and NZ On Air for their support in giving rangitahi this platform to share their skills with Aotearoa.

Take The Mic was created by WhitebaitMedia with funding from NZ On Air. Episodes will air weekdays at 4:05pm on TVNZ2 and are also available to stream on TVNZ+.