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New talent reality TV series for preachers underway

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Director, Ruth Mabona. (Photo: Supplied)
Director, Ruth Mabona. (Photo: Supplied)

Cape Town - From music to acting and comedy, we’ve seen it all.

But it’s going to be the first time South Africans get a taste of a battle between wanna-be preachers live on TV. And if you think you’ve got what it takes to stand on the pulpit, then maybe this is your chance.

Production house, Zallywood, is currently holding auditions around Gauteng in a bid to find talented preachers for their upcoming talent show, Calling The Called.

Zallywood director, Ruth Mabona, hailed the show as a trailblazer in its category. "We have seen shows about talented singers and soccer players, but this is unique in this category of television content," Ruth tells DRUM.

The competition, which is also open to foreign nationals with working permits, aims to highlight the talent that exist in the pulpit.

"We saw the need in the religion space to inspire people. There are so many desperate people who are trying to find a church to belong but there are not true preachers anymore," says Ruth.

She says the concept was created by musician and priest Victor Phume. "All the prophets look alike but with the show we are trying to reveal those who are called."

"Turnout at the auditions, which are currently underway in Walter Sisulu Square and at the Johannesburg Theatre have shocked the producers. "We didn’t expect so many people to come through because preaching is different. Not everyone believes they can do it," she says. 

She adds that almost 80% of South Africans subscribe to Christianity, indicating an appetite for fresh and innovative content directed at this demographic. 

For thirteen weeks from November, contestants will be put through rigorous challenges to prove that they are worthy of the ultimate prize. 

"We have five judges who have more than 32 years’ experience as preachers. If you know the scripture and how to interpret it, this could be your breakthrough," says Ruth.

She also revealed that each week there will be a different celebrity judge on the show. 

The channel on which the show will air is yet to be announced.

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