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Ik Osakioduwa flips ‘fun’ switch as Nigerian Idol returns tomorrow  

By Chinonso Ihekire
13 March 2021   |   3:04 am
When Elizabeth Onwuka won the show in 2011, Nigerians were astounded at its prowess and potential to transform an individual to a star overnight and sell the commodity of talent

Ik Osakioduwa

When Elizabeth Onwuka won the show in 2011, Nigerians were astounded at its prowess and potential to transform an individual to a star overnight and sell the commodity of talent in ways that you can never refuse to buy. It was a success, both for Onwuka, who smiled home with N7.5 million and Sony Recording contract and for the whole of Nigerians who remain the utmost stakeholders in the music scene.

Now, after six years of waiting, fans of the acclaimed singing contest, Nigerian Idol, would be served another opportunity to experience the excitements of the show as it returns to the screens tomorrow, this time for its sixth season. The singing show, additionally, is premiering with the seasoned broadcaster, Ik Osakioduwa, to sprinkle some extra ‘fun’ spices as the host of the experience.

“I bring fun to the table; I make it my business to make it interesting to watch. I am not coming to be a star or to distract anybody; I know how to celebrate talent. I am not the only reason why people should watch again. When African Magic is behind a programme, you know it is going to be international standard. It has been pimped and taken to a whole different level,” Ik said, as he warms into the video call.

Several great artistes have been berthed from the Idols, after Onwuka. From Mercy Chinwo, the unicorn of the Gospel Industry who won the show in 2012, landing a mentorship deal with Omawunmi, to Moses Obi-Adigwe who took up the baton as the first male winner of the show, to Zibili ‘Evelle’ Ibhade of 2014 fame, or K-peace of 2015, or the West-African Regionals winner, Timi Dakolo, who has risen to continental stardom since then following his stint with the Idols.

The Idols have left behind a litany of successful breakouts in the industry, a feat Osakioduwa attributes to the stellar mentorship of the show.

“I think it is a life-changing experience for artistes. I am not saying they would not have succeeded without the show, but it is a fast track for announcing somebody to the industry. I often wonder where those people who passed through the show would be if they didn’t enter the competition. They would probably be doing music, but only God knows if they would have gone so far so quickly.”

To spice up the excitement, the show would start on Sunday, by 6 pm, on DSTV Channel 198 and GOTV Channel 29, with a special highlight edition from the auditions, which concluded last year. The main show would commence in a fortnight from now. It will also be available on an online streaming device, Showmax, across Africa as well as in the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia, and 23 other countries.

Superstar singer Seyi Shay, creative entrepreneur Obi Asika and celebrity DJ Sose would adjudge this year’s edition. The lucky winner will walk home with a recording contract and 50 million Naira’s worth of prizes.

The show, which would be keenly contested by over 3,600 youths, is a “launchpad for young talented Nigerians to achieve their dreams in music on the local and global stage,” Africa Magic’s Channel Director, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu noted. 

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