Subscribe & Follow

Advertise your job vacancies

Six South Africans in first round of Avon singing contest

10 Mar 2011

On 1 December 2010, Avon Voices invited women from around the world to join a global movement through music to celebrate the company's 125th Anniversary. On 8 March 2011, the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, the company announced the round one contenders, selected from a group of more than 6000 from 62 countries. These included six South Africans - Elsche van Wyk, Kgalelelo Motlafi, Lynn Brooks, Melina Katende, Nondumiso Nyembezi and Yolande Strauss who are off to Paris at the end of the month to record their professional performance videos, which will be featured in subsequent rounds of voting and receive Avon makeovers by a team of professional makeup artists.

The finalists will be selected by a combination of online public voting and judging panel of music industry leaders from around the world, including Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; Diane Warren, legendary songwriter; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress; Valeriya, Russian sensation; Delta Goodrem, Australian Artist of the Decade; Sheila E, Grammy-nominated female percussionist; David Pack, Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer; Diego Torres, Grammy nominated singer/composer; Ivete Sangalo, Brazil's biggest pop star; and Maia, Colombian singing star.

Support our team

Beginning 22 April 2011, the Round 1 professionally produced videos will be online, where viewers can vote for their favourites. From April through October, the search will be narrowed down four times by a combination of online public voting and judges' scores.

Write a song, download and support anti-violence campaign

Women and men may enter the Songwriting Competition. Write an original song that inspires or shares hope and optimism with the world. Simply submit a digital file and lyric sheet at (between 20 May and 1 July 2011.

Throughout the year, music by the judges and additional artists will be available for digital download in select countries. A percentage of the purchase price of all recordings will help advance the Avon Foundation for Women's global campaign to end violence against women and girls. To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.

Go to www.avonvoices.com to vote or learn more about the competition.