MARGARET CHIDERA
MultiChoice Nigeria, producers of Nigerian Idol, has unveiled some exciting news about the upcoming eighth season of the popular music reality show.
At the media event, held at the MultiChoice studios, Dr Busola Tejumola, the Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, announced that the reality music talent show recorded a whopping 10 per cent increase in the number of entries for this season compared to the previous one. Last season, the show received over 10,000 audition entries.
“The resources, energy, and originality put into the show each season have attracted more contestants each year, leading to an impressive increase in entries.
“Nigerian Idol has always been a hotbed of raw talent and a coveted platform for aspiring musicians to showcase their skills to the world.”
According to Dr Tejumola, the last seven seasons of Nigerian Idol have been a source of entertainment and healthy competition for the contestants, leading to the emergence of well-deserved winners.
Last year, Progress Chukwuyem emerged as the victor, walking away with a staggering NGN 30 million cash prize. This year’s winner will receive an even bigger cash prize of NGN 35 million and other prizes worth millions of Naira.
The Season 8 judges’ panel boasts some heavyweights in the music industry, including award-winning artiste Oladapo “D’banj” Oyebanjo, singer-songwriter Simisola “Simi” Kosoko, and creative industry entrepreneur Obi Asika. The show’s host, IK Osakioduwa, is also back with his witty banter and infectious energy.
The show premieres on April 23, starting with the recorded auditions that will air on Africa Magic Urban, Showcase, Family and a pop-up channel (DStv ch. 199). Viewers can expect exceptionally well-produced content that will make them feel several emotions.
The live shows will premiere on May 28 as the contestants battle it out for the ultimate prize until a winner emerges on July 16. The show will air on Africa Magic Urban, Showcase, and Family.
