By Naomi Oleribe
‘Nigerian Idol’ and ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ – two popular TV shows in the country – have lit up the show biz scene, as talents, especially those in search of fame and the platform of making good their dream, jostle for victory in the competitions.
The season of entertainment has come early in 2022 for viewers as popular show “Nigerian Idol” debuted on 6th February 2022. Award-winning entertainer D’banj and singer-songwriter, Simi, have been unveiled as judges for the seventh edition of Nigerian Idol. Organizers of the reality TV singing show, MultiChoice Nigeria, also announced that popular radio and TV personality IK Osakioduwa will also be returning as the show’s host for this season alongside Obi Asika, who makes a comeback as a judge.
Defending the choice of the new judges for the new season, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola, said they could not think of a better trio. She said the judges bring decades’ worth of experience in the music and entertainment business and individual mastery of their crafts.
Commenting on his selection, D’banj expressed his excitement at being one of the judges this season. He said: “I was out of the country when I found out that I was going to be a judge for this season of Nigerian Idol, and I couldn’t contain my excitement. I’m coming in with my strategy, so viewers should expect a bang.”
On her part, Simi said: “I’ve always loved the idea of being a judge, and I think it’s a fun thing to do. I plan to be very honest and have fun and hopefully gain inspiration from those that come on the show.”
Returning judge, Obi Asika, added: “I will be looking for special talents and new faces this year. I’m also excited to work with the rest of the judges this season, and I will be very fair and real to every contestant, just like I was last year.”
Recalled that the physical auditions for the seventh edition took place on December 4, 2021 at the Colossus Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Prospective participants from across Nigeria were given 30 seconds to showcase their talent to the team of judges. In the sixth season of Nigerian Idol, Kingdom Kroseide won after months of an intense musical contest involving over 10,000 hopefuls from across the country.
The organisers of the show revealed that over 16 million votes were recorded at the finale. The headline sponsor of Nigerian Idol season 7 is Bigi Drinks and the co-headline sponsor is Binance.
In another development, the Popular TV game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, is back with a Bang. The announcement heralding the return of the show took place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos recently.
Payattitude, Payarena and HopePSBank, which are all companies under UP Group, a payments and financial technology company, were unveiled as sponsors of the new installation of the show, tagged, ‘The Rebirth’.
It was also announced that broadcaster and master of ceremonies, Frank Edoho, will return as the host of the show. Delivering his keynote speech at the event, the Managing Director of UP, Agada Apochi, stated that the group’s decision to sponsor the show was borne out of the desire to educate, excite and entertain Nigerians by bringing back the game show that keeps families at the edge of their seats. According to him, the show would help to promote knowledge acquisition and allow Nigerians to realise their economic dreams by winning cash prizes every week for 52 weeks.