Reports of hastily constructed sets, songs interrupted by mobile phones ringing and curious hotel staff peering in on the performers, have failed to stop this popular TV format taking off in Ethiopia.

Performers travel huge distances for a shot at fame and a recording contract, often to be met by a stinging put-down like “alta fakedem” (you didn’t make it) from one of the judges. TV audiences congregate round TV sets in bars to see something quite different from the usually heavy state television diet.

One thing is for sure, in such a musically exciting and diverse country, there will be some really great performances. Shame we can’t get it outside the country.

If you are in Ethiopia and following the show, tell us who is hot and what is going on using our comments box below!