IT’S not gain saying, Nigerian Idol, the country’s premier music reality show and a version of the Idol series franchise, has been a launching pad for talented young singers, providing a platform for them to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted title.
The music reality show is the second Idol franchise for Nigeria as it was already part of Idols West Africa, which was also shot and produced in Stockholm, Sweden. Its first season was in 2010, during the 50th Independence anniversary of Nigeria with the tagline “Live Your Dream, Accept No Limitation.” Auditions were open for every Nigerian between 18 and 28.
Since its inception in October 2010, the show has discovered, nurtured and launched the careers of numerous exceptional musical talents in the country, providing a platform for them to showcase their skills and shine on national and international stages. Many past contestants have gone on to achieve significant success in the music industry, releasing hit songs, collaborating with top artistes, and even winning prestigious awards.
By providing a platform for young singers to showcase their talents, the music reality show has helped to identify and promote new talents, driving innovation and creativity in the music industry.
Nigerian Idol has not only been a launching pad for musical careers but also a source of entertainment for millions of viewers. The show’s unique blend of talent, competition, and drama has captivated audiences, making it one of the most popular music reality shows in Nigeria.
According to the Chief Executive Officer, West Africa, MultiChoice, John Ugbe, “Nigerian Idol has become a powerful platform for investing in the Nigerian entertainment industry, and has grown to become a vehicle for aspiring exceptional singers who can make a mark.”
“The industry is projected to reach $14.82 billion by 2025, and we need to be deliberate about its trajectory and how young Nigerians will contribute to that future. Nigeria is rich with creative ingenuity and music talent that can shape the world, and we are proud to play a role in actualising this dream for thousands across the country. We are interested in doing even more,” he added.
As a rapidly growing sector in the entertainment industry, music has helped to elevate Nigeria’s image and cast a good light on the nation. It also contributes in a significant way to the country’s GDP. Nigerian Idol contributes economically and through talent development to the country’s music industry and it is expected to improve as more stars emerge the music reality show.
Statista notes, “Nigeria’s music revenue grew from $26 million in 2014 to $34 million in 2018, and by 2023 the revenue was expected to amount to $44 million.MultiChoice Nigeria, through Nigerian Idol and other music programs and channels, contributes to the sector’s growth by providing jobs for hundreds of production members, stylists, makeup artists, and other musicians on the show.
“At Multi\Choice, we are very intentional about what our content can do for our audience and the community at large. Beyond its entertainment value, Nigerian Idol is a catalyst for economic growth towards enriching lives and we are happy to be a part of Victory Gbakara’s journey,” said Dr. Busola Tejumola, Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice
A Legacy of Talents
As the show celebrates its 10th season, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on its impact on the Nigerian music industry and the talented individuals who have emerged from the competition. Its impact extends beyond the individual contestants, as it has also contributed to the growth and development of the Nigerian music industry as a whole.
On March 27, 2011, 26-year-old Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert Onwuka known by the stage name Yeka Onka from Ohafia, Abia State was announced the winner of maiden edition over fellow competitor Naomi Oyintare Mac Ebiama better known as Naomi Mac. She was awarded a cash-prize in the sum of N7.5 million, a recording contract with Sony, a car and an all-expense-paid trip to South Africa.
For the creation of the winning song, the two finalists collaborated with rapper, songwriter and award-winning producer Jesse Garba Abaga, known professionally as Jesse Jagz. The judges for the Season 1 include singer, dancer, lyricist, vocalist, Yinka Davies.
Others are lawyer, entrepreneur, social activist, public speaker, and creative industry expert, Audu Maikori. He is the co-founder and executive vice chairman of the Chocolate City Group, the mother company of one of Africa’s leading record labels, Chocolate City Entertainment, and Jeffrey Daniel, an American dancer, singer-songwriter, and choreographer, most notable for being a founding member of the R&B vocal group Shalamar.
With a total of 48 contestants, the 13 finalist included Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert (Yeka Onka), Naomi Oyintare Mac Ebiama (Naomi Mac), Emmanuel Patrick (Emmanuel the Great), Bello Lydia Biodum (Bibi), Glory Orishki (Glory), Alex Olori (Alex), Zoe Chinaka (Zoe), Oluwatoni Afolayan (Toni), George Ukeme (George), Ajumoke Nwaeze (AJ), Chito Ann Akwueh (Chito), Kalu-Ude Nnenna (Nina) and Olamide Etti (Ola). The show was hosted by Misi and Anis Holloway
In Season 2, Maikori was replaced with singer-songwriter, television presenter, actor, and producer, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy. The hosts were singer, songwriter and actress Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage and Illrymz, a TV host, radio personality, writer, producer, event MC, artiste and former model.
The contestants were Chinedu, Najite, Nikki, Lynda, Ibinabo, Honey, Diwari, A.Y.O, Mercy, Steven Onochie, Anthony Ekpo, Sylvester Kingston (Sly 1), and Mercy Chinwo who emerged as the winner.
Charly Boy aka Area Fada was replaced in Season 3 by scion of Afrobeat, Olufemi Olufela Anikulapo Kuti better known as Femi Kuti. Season 4 had multi-platinum Afro R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, known professionally as Darey, formerly Dare Art Alade; singer, songwriter and actress, Nneka Lucia Egbuna well known as Nneka, and Dede Mabiaku, an accomplished singer/songwriter; saxophonist; composer and arranger, who performed with Fela Anikulapo Kuti and became his opening act for local and international shows.
Yinka Davies made a comeback in Season 5 to replace Nneka, joining Darey and Dede as judges. Season 6 had Storm 360 record label executive now Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika; singer, songwriter and actress, Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, known professionally as Seyi Shay, and Disc Jockey, Thomas Amar-Aigbe better known as DJ Sose, while radio and television on-air personality, Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa well known as IK Osakioduwa (formerly Wildchild) served as host.
After a five-year hiatus, the show was picked up by MultiChoice, operators of DStv and Gotv, with Tecno Mobile and Bigi Drinks as lead sponsors. It began airing in 2021 with Obi Asika, Seyi Shay and DJ Sose as judges for the Season 6. It was hosted by IK Osakioduwa.
Through a series of auditions, a top 11 was picked by the judges, a deviation from the usual top 10 format that was meant to be used in the selection. The development stirred up a lot of conversation in the Nigerian social media space.
The top 11 contestants included Kingdom Kroseide, Clinton, Atela Francis, Akunna, Comfort Alalade, Beyoncé Ajomiwe, Daniel Ikechi, Faith Mac, Faith Jason, Dotun Deloye and Eljay. The top five contestants finished in the following positions, Kingdom (winner), Francis (first runner-up), Akunna (second runner-up), Comfort (4th), and Faith Jason (5th).
For the top 5, top 4 and top 3 live shows, guest judges were brought in to evaluate the contestants. The guest judges included Peter Okoye (Mr P), one of the half duo of the Okoye twins (defunct P-Square), noted for their artistic reinvention, musical versatility, and visual presentation; multi-award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Praise Ugbede Adejo well known as Praiz and Cobhams Asuquo, musician, producer, and songwriter respectively.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the live shows didn’t have human audiences, instead applause tracks. For emerging winner of the season, Kingdom was awarded a prize-money of N30 million, a brand new SUV, all-expense paid trips to Dubai and Seychelles, a recording contract, a one-year supply of Bigi Drinks and much more.
The Season 7 premiered in January 2022 with singer, songwriter, and actress Simisola Bolatito Kosoko better known by her stage name Simi; singer, music executive, event host and television personality Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo well known as D’banj or Koko Master; Yinka Davies and Obi Asika as judges. The top 12 contestants included Abigail, David Operah, Faith, Jordan, Zadok, Progress, Joel, Banty, Gerald, Precious, Itohan, and Debby. Progress Chukwuyem won the season.
Season 8 premiered on April 28, 2023 with the top 10 contestants consisting of five male and five female emerging from the rigorous Theatre Week. Dubbed the 10 best performers by the judges made up of D’banj, Simi, and Obi Asika; the contestants included Savvy Henry, Constance, Precious Mac, Victory Gbakara, Ose Daniel, Goodness, Abraham, Reigny, Quest and Chisom.
After weeks of intense competition, Victory was announced as the winner of the eighth edition, while his closest rival to the prize Precious Mac emerged as runner-up. Victory received the coveted grand prize – including N35 million cash, a brand new SUV, one Bigi Refrigerator and one year’s supply of Bigi soft drink, an all-expense paid trip courtesy Tecno, a music record deal by a reputable label that will include a video shoot, one year supply of WAW detergent, and a fully installed DStv Explora with one year of Premium subscription.
Season 9 was a burst of emotions; it began with a sea of hopefuls, each with a voice and a dream. Through weeks of intense auditions, the judges – singer-songwriter and actress Omawumi Megbele known by her stage name Omawumi, singer, songwriter Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu better known as Ric Hassani, and Abolore Akande well-known as 9ice – sifted through the pack, searching for that perfect blend of raw talent and great stage presence.
The contestants included Chima, Chioma, David Garland, Gracia, Jennifer Igomu, Lady Ruth, Maio, Mira Clear, Stevie, and Lammy. After 10 weeks of competing with some of the best performers and vocalists on show, Chima Udoye was crowned the winner of ninth edition at the finale which was held on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Looking to the Future
As the show celebrates its 10th anniversary, the organisers and fans alike are excited to see what the future holds, reflecting on the journey, celebrating the triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that have made it an integral part of the Nigerian music landscape.
With its proven track record of success and its continued relevance in the music industry, the music reality show is poised to remain a major force in shaping the country’s musical talent for years to come.
As the new season begins tomorrow, there is anticipation around the fresh talents that will be discovered and the innovative ways the show will continue to evolve. The stage is set, and the victory team is ready.
The judges —Omawumi, Ric Hassani and singer and songwriter, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk better known as Iyanya— alongside the host, IK Osakioduwa, are putting their knowledge to the test in a hilarious trivia showdown!
