Nigerian Idol auditions in Port Harcourt

The fifth season of Nigeria’s internationally acclaimed music reality show, Nigerian Idol, sponsored by leading telecommunications company, Etisalat Nigeria, is gathering momentum with the conclusion of the second phase of its auditions in Port Harcourt over the weekend, as it searched for Nigeria’s next music star. 

  It was excitement all the way as hundreds of youths recently gathered at Xscape Centre, venue of the audition, to vie for a spot in the next round of the contest. The contestants, a mix of audition ‘returnees’ and ‘wannabes’, came ready with on-pitch vocals, the latest dance moves and an array of dazzling outfits in a bid to impress the judging trio of Darey Art-Alade, Yinka Davies and Dede Mabiaku.

  Maryann Agba, who had auditioned without success in the past four seasons, turned up at the venue with even more optimism, as she gushed, “I love music and Nigerian Idol will provide opportunity for the world to hear me”, she said.

Commenting on the audition, Manager, Youth Sgment, Etisalat Nigeria, Idiare Atimomo noted that Port Harcourt was awash with talent, noting, “This city produced season two’s winner, Mercy Chinwo, and other strong talents have also emerged from here. We are looking for talent that is original and so far Port Harcourt gave us this”.

  Atimomo reiterated his company’s commitment to the competition, observing that music is a touch point with the Nigerian youth. “The youth segment of the country is a critical target market for us,” he added. “In order to connect with them, we do not only provide a range of products and services that cater to their communication needs, we also look into other areas that interest them. One of these areas is music and entertainment”.

  The Port Harcourt audition was also graced by winners of Nigerian Idol seasons 3 and 4, Moses Obi-Adigwe and Evelyn “Evelle” Zibili who performed with season 3 runners-up, Eye-D and Elvis Jay.

  The next audition holds in Abuja at Bolton White Hotels, Garki on January 24 followed by Ibadan at Kakanfo Inn, Ring Road on January 31. The final auditions will hold in Lagos at Dream Studio, Ojodu, on February 8 and 9.