24 Jun 2025

Music star Nicole Martinez is set to captivate local audiences with her upcoming all-female, online musical reality show Lyric Leap, which will premiere in the coming weeks on the show’s official Facebook page, Lyric Leap Botswana.

Sponsored by CIPA, the show is currently in development, with online auditions for female artistes between 18 and 35 already announced; an opportunity to be grabbed before July 18.

“Preferably, they must audition with their own original work,” advised Nicole, emphasising that the journey of the show will highlight the artistes’ capability to write their own songs.

The show will feature 12 aspiring female musicians who will embark on a 12-week journey filled with challenges designed to enhance both their musical talent and entrepreneurial skills.

“This is going to be a music business show and a career launcher,” said Nicole, who also serves as the show’s marketing strategist and promoter.

She described the project as an initiative under the Awake Women in Music Association, designed to provide women with a platform to shine, grow, and claim their place in Botswana’s music industry. Nicole added that the show would give viewers insight into the behind-the-scenes realities of music production. 

“It is not easy getting to the final stage of production. Batswana need to journey with us artistes and understand the intense process behind the music. It is not just the song you hear on the radio, it is blood, sweat, and tears,” she said.

The audition process will begin online. The first two contestants to make it into the Top 12 will be selected based on the number of Facebook likes they receive. The remaining 10 will be chosen by a panel of judges, including Nicole herself, with the rest of the panel to be announced soon.

The competition will feature weekly challenges focusing on both musical performance and business acumen. Each week will see one contestant eliminated, culminating in a grand finale where the top two finalists will compete for the ultimate prize.

The winner will receive a P30 000 cash prize, financial support, professional public relations, and a recording deal, equipping them with the tools needed to launch a sustainable music career. Reflecting on her own path, Nicole recounted the challenges she faced early in her career.

“It wasn’t easy during my debut years. I was ridiculed and overlooked,” she said. 

Currently, Nicole is working on a fusion album blending traditional music with trap, set for release later this year. She also has a collaboration with Una Sell, a traditional pop artist and a three-step EP in progress with DJ T.H. ENDS