“Your face show, your shoe shine”, “I want to greet youuuuuu specially”, “It’s a Rolls Royce yes for me” are some of the catchy phrases D’banj has used on the Nigerian Idol show, where he is one of the judges for season 7.
At the judges’ unveiling, the award-winning musician stated that he would be looking for entertainment from the contestants and bringing entertainment to the show. Truely, anyone following the show can testify that D’banj makes Sunday night extra fun-filled with his witty remarks, on the spot humour and facial expression.
All the judges that have appeared so far – Obi Asika, Simi, Toolz and Omawunmi – are not doing a great job. However, D’banj brings something different to the work he does. His judgement of the contestant is delivered in an empathetic, fun way. Those who get a yes from him also get a joke or two as part of the package. Those who do not perform up to his expectation are not dismissed as failures. Instead, he encouraged them to get better so that they would have improved when they return.
Of course, all the judges cannot be and should not be like D’banj, which is what makes it all the more fun. They have different ways of doing their judge duty. What makes D’banj own different and enjoyable is that it comes naturally to him. He laces every sentence with humour created on the spot. He asked a contestant who sang badly if he sang the song in front of his friends before coming to the audition. He advised someone whose name is “Millionaire” to come to the next audition with a pocketful of cash to spray. In some instances, his facial expression sends the message even before he gives his opinion. In the last episode,.he did a grand entrance dancing briefly on stage before spraying perfume on Obi Asika.
It comes as no surprise that Nigerians online are commending D’banj – “or Skitbanj as his Jamaican friends call him” – for bringing a fresh perspective to judging a music talent show. His artistry and energy have lifted Nigerian Idol, and many admit they are glued to it because of the antics of the musician. He also seems to know when to tone it down and firmly address the contestants.
Organisers of Nigerian Idol have scored a big point in bringing D’banj to the show as many get to see a side of the singer that they didn’t know he had. He has truly provided as much entertainment as the contestants.
“The excitement continues with new episodes every Sunday on AM Showcase (DStv channel 151), AM Urban (DStv channel 153 & GOtv Supa channel 6) and AM Family (DStv channel 154 & GOtv channel 2) from 7 PM.
You can also catch all the auditions from day one and the behind the scenes episode on Nigerian Idol extra, airing daily on (DStv channel 197 and GOtv channel 29).”