Idol raptures in Ibadan, Lagos

IT was excitement all the way last weekend at the Kakanfo Inn & Conference Centre, Ibadan, as hundreds of Nigerian youths auditioned for a spot in the on-going Etisalat-Sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 5.

The auditions’ train, which has made stops in Abuja, Benin and Port Harcourt, had an overflow of anxious and expectant youths in Ibadan, all ready to meet with the judging trio of Yinka Davies, Darey Art-Alade and Dede Mabiaku.

According to Manager, Sponsorships Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu, the massive turnout at the Kankanfo centre, attests to the widely held notion in the music industry that the industry is set for a boom.

“I must confess that Ibadan City didn’t disappoint the Nigerian Idol team, despite the fact that this is our first time of coming to audition in the city since the beginning of the show in 2010. I can see that this year, there will be a challenge as to who leaves or stays on the show, because we have seen young great talents coming out to participate in this season’s audition,” Orah said.

One of the participants, who got a golden ticket from the judges, Somtochukwu Obinna, a graduate of Business Administration from the Oduduwa University, said he is ready to seizethe opportunity to achieve his “dream of becoming the next music superstar in African.”

The last leg of the auditions continues today at the Dream Studio, Omole Phase 1, Lagos.

At the media launch to herald this year’s event, Etisalat had said that the sponsorship of the competition for five consecutive years reflects the company’s commitment to Nigerian youths.

   “As a company, we are cognisant of the importance of connecting with all our customers and we recognise that music and entertainment resonate with the youth who are a key market segment for us. Sponsoring Nigerian Idol is our way of helping thousands of musically gifted Nigerian youths to live their dreams, so we are very excited to announce that we remain the headline sponsors of Nigerian Idol.

“This year, we are raising the bar of the show; we are in search of music talents that stand out. We want to see young and dynamic talent bring creativity and originality into music.”

   The media launch featured numerous fun-filled activities such as a mini-Press Idol Competition and announcement of the judges for the season, but the closing performance by Nigerian Idol Season 4 winner, Evelle Zibili, was the climax of the night. 

   With her dramatic performance of her latest single, I’m Naughty and her soulful rendition of other hit songs, Evelle held the guests spell-bound with her tremendous running notes and energetic stage presence.

Nigerian Idol has grown steadily in popularity, especially among the youth, since inception. The winner of this year’s competition will cart away a brand new SUV and a 7.5 million naira cash prize and other rewards.