After being roped in as co-host for season two of e.tv music show Coke Studio, last season's protege, real name Trevor Sineke, says his good relationship with the producers stood him in good stead to clinch the co-presenter's role.
Trey has been paired with famed TV personality and expectant singer Nandi Mngoma of the hit ditty Skhanda Love, where she is featured by KO.
"Well, I was an artist in the first season, but the guys there at Coke Studio called me for an audition early this year. I didn't hesitate in taking the opportunity to present a show I had enjoyed being part of last time around," he said.
Sineke (32) said the producers needed someone with a "a bit of music knowledge".
"I went through a rough auditioning session. It was a challenge but it was not insurmountable. The recorded audition tape was sent to the clients and I got the thumbs up. This was around March/April this year.
"I had to show them I could do it - the enthusiasm to be the final choice was in me from the start, I craved to succeed. Obviously, it was a different kind of working method, challenging. It was also an awesome moment to know how presenters work," said Sineke.
He describes the show as meant for the "younger urban youth audience, who are driven by their love for Mzansi's uniqueness".
"Viewers are in for a different vibe, some kind of different sounds of music," said the artist whose Dream Team packed uShaka Marine World with 10000 people during their last performance at the Durban sea-side venue.
Season two of Coke Studio has lined up an array of African musos in collaboration with local artists.
Artists include AKA collaborating with Nigerian superstar Patoranking, Cassper Nyovest with legendary Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania and Angola's popular musician Landrick with Ash Muzic.
Local pairs are Nasty C with Buffalo Soulja, and SA Music award winner and rap artist Fifi Cooper with Ryki.
Every week the show will feature the best producers in the industry, including Sketchy Bongo, Gemini Major and Mobi Dixon.
Season one contestants such as hit maker Riky Rick and pop sensation Jimmy Nevis return as mentors, to assist artists to produce their tracks within 48 hours, culminating in a grand performance.
Dream Team is made up of bullish Durban-based rappers and MCs, popular for the track Tsekede. The trio of friends are Mthoko "M-Dash" Mkhathini, Lusaso "L-Sas" Ngcobo and Sineke.
Sineke says they are working on their second album earmarked to be released in the new year for the "competitive summer" time.
The group was founded in 2010, their mix-tape Blow Up and music video Ask Enibhadi became instant hits after their followers warmed to the releases.
Three years later, they got their first nomination at the 2013 South African Hip-Hop Awards in the freshman of the year category.
Catch Coke Studio on Saturdays, debuting on August 27 at 6pm on e.tv.
