The Voice Nigeria, one of Africa’s biggest music talent shows, is back for a third season.
The show, which launched in 2016, is returning after a four-year hiatus. Everything is in place for this new adventure, but what happened to the talented singers who won the competition in the previous two seasons of the show? Here is how they are faring lately, according to Netng investigations:
- A’rese
Agharese Emokpae, daughter of Nigerian sculptor Erhabor Emokpae, got into the inaugural season of The Voice Nigeria on the back of critical acclaim, following her performance in the Terrakulture stage production Wakaa. Following an impressive rendition of Adele’s “Skyfall” at the auditions, she chose to work with Waje, one of four judges for that season. She ultimately emerged victorious, doing a live rendition of Alexandra Burke’s “Hallelujah” and edging out future RnB star Chike – who was coached by Patoranking, another judge – to win the grand prize. She earned a recording contract with Universal Music Group, an SUV worth N7 million and a trip to Abu Dhabi.
In 2017, A’rese released her first single “Uwe No”, which featured Nigerian rapper Ladipoe. That same year, she made vocal contributions to “WCW” and “Birds ‘n’ Bees”, two songs composed by American singer-songwriter Kalen Lumiere (off his album Realistic Love).
A’rese’s music career failed to take off, but she has since made the switch to screen. This was easy for her to do, as she has always loved theatre, having played a major role in the Terrakulture stage production Saro: The Musical (which ran from 2014 to 2015). Between 2016 and 2017 she appeared in the hit series Tinsel, and from 2017 to 2018 she played the lead role of Senami Minasu in the TV series Jemeji. She currently plays the role of Marion in the Ebonylife TV series MMM, which also stars Nigerian actress Toni Tones.
2. Idyl
Idyl’s journey to the second season of The Voice Nigeria was by no means smooth. Between 2012 and 2015, the Bayelsan-born singer auditioned for Project Fame West Africa, and failed each time. He was also unsuccessful in four consecutive auditions for Nigerian Idol, and failed to get into X-Factor Nigeria as well.
In 2017, he auditioned successfully for a shot at fame on The Voice Nigeria. He was selected to join the team led by Nigerian singer-songwriter Timi Dakolo, who was one of the judges for Season 2. After a grueling three months, Idyl edged out 48 other contestants to win the competition. He got a recording contract with Universal Music Africa, an SUV, and a trip to Dubai, like A’rese the year before.
In 2018, Idyl released his debut single, “Better Love”. Later that year, he released a song called “Owami”, which featured South Africa singer Lungi Naidoo. In 2019, he teamed up with South Africa’s Rowlene Bosman on the song “Satisfy Me”. Later in 2019, he put out a song called “Iyoro”, which he rendered in his local Ijaw language.
2020 saw him release two more singles, “Bi’ Seyler” and “Cut My Liver”. In October of that year, he dropped a cover of Tems’ “Damages” and Timaya’s “Born To Win” on his Instagram page. He was one of the Nigerian artists who lent their voice to the #EndSARS protests.
Idyl has struggled to make an impression on the Nigerian music scene, but it’s not for want of trying. He clearly works hard, and it is hoped that sooner than later, he will start scoring the numbers that his work rate deserves.
Season 3 of The Voice Nigeria kicked off on Saturday, March 27, 2021. It airs on Africa Magic, AIT, Wazobia TV and Views Channel. The show is being hosted by Toke Makinwa and Nancy Isime, This season’s judges include Nigerian pop star Yemi Alade, Nigerian rapper Falz, Nigerian singer Waje and singer-songwriter Darey Art Alade.