Finalists for Coca-Cola Summer Yama SummAHHH

The three winners - Neliswa Chitha (left), Jabulane Gambu and Bianca Erasmus.

Lebo M and all the finalists.

This competition was part of the Coca-Cola Company's Open Happiness campaign in South Africa, celebrating music, football, summer and youth in its biggest summer campaign as part of the build up to 2010. The national talent search by Coca-Cola, in conjunction with the officially appointed executive producer and talent coach Lebo M, took two weeks to complete.

“We are very pleased to be part of unearthing such amazing talent. Youth development is a passion for our brand and we are proud to provide a platform for these youngsters to realise their dreams. Open Happiness is about celebrating the spirit of optimism for the South African youth - and the Summer Yama SummAHHH campaign encompasses these elements,” says Zayd Abrahams, Coca-Cola's head of marketing, sparkling category.

The three winners will record the Coca-Cola Summer Yama SummAHHH track with a mystery international star on the compilation CD, featuring Gallo artists and the Summer Yama SummAHHH song music video, which will be syndicated both nationally and internationally. The track, composed and produced by Lebo M, will be played on all national and regional radio stations, and is earmarked to become the festive anthem of the upcoming summer holidays and will be used to usher in 2010 in style. The track will also feature as the soundtrack of Coca-Cola's forthcoming summer campaign.

“The most valuable experience and inspiration is the opportunity to unearth unknown and untapped talent in the country. My new journey with Coca-Cola South Africa allows me the growth and platform to relive this awesome experience and fulfil my passion to nurture talent among the youth,” says Lebo M.

Campaign Highlights:

• Thursday, 15 October Release of Summer Yama SummAHHH Song
  
• Friday, 16 October Media Summer Yama SummAHHH Song Listening Session
  
• Saturday, 17 October Seeding Commence (Nationwide)
  
• Thursday, 22 October Summer Yama SummAHHH Video Shoot
  
• Monday, 26 October Release of Compilation CD
  
• Wednesday, 9 November Release of Summer Yama SummAHHH Video