Reality TV shows in any form have always provided the push that most talents need to kick start their careers.
The Idol series franchise came to Nigeria in 2007, launching the sole season of Idols West Africa on M-Net. It was the first of its kind on the continent, with Timi Dakolo emerging as the winner. The award-winning R&B/Soul artiste is the epitome of success with two studio albums and several successful singles.
The franchise returned in 2011 with a localized version called Nigerian Idol, and Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert Onwuka sang her way to the position of the first-ever Nigerian Idol. She premiered her debut single, Follow You, produced by Jesse Jagz, in 2011. In May 2014, Yeka released a single titled Help, a soulful ballad dedicated to the #BringBackOurGirls movement in Nigeria.
Nigerian Idol came back for a second season in 2012, which saw Mercy Chinwo emerge as the winner. She released her first single, Testimony, in 2015, and Igwe a year later. By 2018, Mercy Chinwo became a recognized gospel singer beyond Nigeria, winning several awards such as Best Gospel Artiste at the CLIMAX Awards 2018 and Gospel Artiste of the year at the AFRIMMA Awards 2020.
The third season of Nigerian Idol saw Moses Obi Adigwe crowned winner in 2013, making him the first male. In the space of a year, Moses released three singles, Love in the Air, Number One, and Love Letter ft Eva Alordiah. He later founded a brand and media consulting agency, True Art Movere, and he continues to perform as an artiste.
The ladies took it back in 2014 with Evelyn Ibhade, also known as Evelle, taking home the winning prize for Nigerian Idol Season 4. She released Kilimanjaro, produced by the award-winning Pheelz. She later released the hit song, ‘Time to Shine,’ which bagged the 2018 AMVCA for Best Movie Soundtrack for the movie Tatu.
Ogunrounbi Olakunle, also known as K-Peace, is the winner of the fifth season of the Nigerian Idol. He smiled home with a brand new SUV car, a cash prize of N7.5 million, and a recording deal with Universal Music Company. K-Peace has since put out his music and continues to reinvent his artistry.
Now, the sixth season of Nigerian Idol is back after a five-year hiatus. It is back, bigger and better with a winning prize of 50 million Naira worth of prizes and a recording deal with a leading record label. The new season starts today, March 14, 2021, with a host of shining, talented contestants who will sing their way to becoming the next Nigerian Idol.
The main show begins on March 28 so tune to DStv 198 and GOtv 29 to watch the sixth season of Nigerian Idol. Join the conversation on social with the #NigerianIdol.
