As from tomorrow, the 36 budding musicians selected for this year's edition of Star Quest would begin to parade the stuff they are made of as the reality TV show kicks off.

This is coming after the exciting welcome party at Star Fameland in Lagos last Saturday. The 21-day event will air on DSTV's Africa Magic, NTA Network, AIT Network and Silverbird Television from 10:30pm daily. Already, there are high expectations from the viewing public as to which of the yet-to-be-formed bands is likely to emerge winners.

This year, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens a.k.a Ruggedman will anchor the show. The celebrated rapper and September 20 clothing line owner whose talent over the years has earned him nomination as the Best Hip Hop Act in this year's KORA Awards takes over from Djinee, who presented the last three editions of the programme. The musician is expected to add more flavour to the competition which continues to draw interest from within and outside of Nigeria.

The 36 wannabes vying for honours include Mba Chukwuemeka, Nkamiang Samson Charles, Ntia Effefiong Joseph, Philips Moses Friddie, Okon Godwin Emmanuel, Obiemeka Eloka Jude, Ochukwu Dubem Mitaire, Ologba Diana, Edet Asuquo Okon, Mkpuma Umoke Umoke, Emuoboghare Emmanuel Abiodun, Adigwe Ronelle, Ojoh Frances Oghenerukome and Ezehike Chukwuemeka.

Others are Kani Anthony Ofoweh, Bayem Anthony Ugochukwu, Omonzokpia Omon Blessing, Amadasun Efosa Hawkins, Ugheighele Moses Osezele, Okoeka Ehinome, Ibizugbe Samuel Ikponwosa, Babatola Abimbola, Udeh Obianuju Catherine, Nnana Nkechi Charity, Omenuwa Edwin Chibuike, Ogunbase Ayo Emmanuel, Adesanya Timothy Adesoji, Jinadu Ayotunde Michael, Oke Oludayo Israel, Adeyemi Titilope Samuel, Akinlagun Mercy Christabel, Babalola Joseph Atanda, Fasanya Michael Kolawole, Oye-Opanubi Olawale Victor, Omomeji Babatunde Abiodun and Sodade Oluwaseun Ayobami.

They are expected to form six bands to compete for N7.5m recording contract, N3.6m cash prize, a mini van and one year guaranteed accommodation in Lagos. In addition, the winning band would also feature in upcoming star lager sponsored music concerts.

The 21-day broadcast of the programme is expected to last till April 18 when the grand finale would hold in Lagos. Elimination will be decided by public voting via SMS while the winning band is expected to emerge by accumulating the highest votes cast by viewers.