One of the judges of MTN Y’ello Star is six time Grammy winner, Malik Yusef. Malik, who will be working closely with the final six contestants from the competition, resumed his duties as a judge last week at the semi final stage of the televised competition.
The native of Chicago says he frequents Nigeria often and considers himself an “adopted son”. Malik has worked with some of the most prominent artistes in the world, and says he is ready to start afresh and push himself with this new crop of upcoming stars.
Though just resuming his judge duties, Malik has been following the progress of the Y’ello Star contestants. He shares his observation so far with Netng, “I didn’t expect it to be this tight. I figured that one person will emerge as they usually do in competitions, this is not that. It’s so close and it’s difficult to pick a person. These guys are top tier performers. And it’s amazing to watch.”
Speaking on what the contestants will need to get to the next level and possibly win the competition, he says, “The person who has the best outing stands the chance of winning. They are all stars, but what will make them the Y’ello Star – veracity, power, speed, attention to detail.”
Banky W and Omawumi had been holding down the fort as Y’ello Star judges before Malik landed in Nigeria. When asked what attracted him to the Y’ello Star project, he gives credit to his co-judges. “My fellow judges are superstars and legends. Not just in Nigeria here, but on the continent, and to be able to sit with them and learn from their knowledge and experience is a great opportunity.”
The Y’ello star contestants, beyond their performances, have also been taking lessons from Berklee College of Music and Henley School of Business. The contestants are being trained in entrepreneurial skills, and the technical music knowledge.
According to Malik, “What MTN is doing with Y’ello Star is unprecedented in the long run with the training and programmes that the contestants are undergoing.”
Speaking on the importance of the technical knowledge of music to an artiste’s career, he says, “Knowledge of music doesn’t seem that important initially because talent is attractive, but after the initial star power, what keeps you there? It’s the knowledge, the information. That’s what keeps you there.”
He comments on the extremely competitive nature of the music industry, “It’s a battle to get into some of the biggest charts.” Malik revealed that though he was a six time Grammy award winner, he had also been nominated 27 times and lost. “The technical components as well as talent is important to keep you on top.”
The first prize winner of the competition will have the opportunity to record a song with Malik in the United States after the competition. He says “when it comes to making music, the best ability is vulnerability.” He admits that he will be dealing with an extremely talented individual, whoever eventually emerges winner, but he hopes they will be coachable, and ready to learn.
This will however not be the producer’s first time working with a Nigerian artiste. He has worked with D’banj while they were both signed to Kanye West’s label, G.O.O.D. Music. He describes Nigerian artistes as very talented and a pleasure to work with.
What does he enjoy the most about Nigeria? “The intangible spirit of the hustle.”
The final episodes of MTN Y’ello Star will air this weekend, as the first-ever Y’ello Star winner emerges. You can catch all the updates HERE.
