Nigerian Idol
Live Your Dream. Accept No Limitation.
Nigerian Idol is the Nigerian edition of the Idol franchise, following the country's earlier involvement in Idols West Africa. The competition began in 2010, marking Nigeria's 50th anniversary, with the motto "Live Your Dream. Accept No Limitation." It was open to Nigerians aged 18 to 28, premiered in October 2010, and aired across 15 African channels. The first winner, announced on March 27, 2011, was 26-year-old Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert Onwuka, also known as "yeka onka" from Ohafia, who beat Naomi Ebiama. Her prize included 7.5 million Naira, a Sony recording contract, a car, and a paid trip to South Africa. Before earning a Golden Ticket in Lagos, Yeka had auditioned twice without success.
Quick Facts
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 60-120 min.
- Seasons
- 10
- Creator
- Simon Fuller
- Country
- Nigeria
- Network
- Africa Magic Showcase; Africa Magic Family
- First aired
- 2010
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- For the creation of the winning song in season one, the two finalists collaborated with award-winning producer Jesse Jagz.
- Season 6's top 11 was controversial because it deviated from the usual top 10 format, sparking debate on Nigerian social media.
- Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the season 6 live shows had no human audiences and used applause tracks instead.
Judges and hosts
For season one, Yinka Davies, Audu Maikori and Jeffrey Daniel were selected to be the judges. In season two, Maikori was replaced with Charly Boy as a judge. In season three, Femi Kuti replaced Charly. In season four, Darey, Nneka, and Dede Mabiaku were selected as judges. In season five, Yinka Davies replaced Nneka. In season six, Obi Asika, Seyi Shay and DJ Sose were selected to be the judges with IK Osakioduwa serving as host. In season 7, Simi, D’banj, Yinka Davies and Obi Asoka were stipulated to be judges. In Season 9, Omawumi, Ric Hassani and 9ice were chosen to be the judges.
Season 6
After a five-year hiatus, Nigerian Idol was picked up by Multichoice and sponsored by Tecno Mobile and Bigi Drinks, beginning airing in 2021. Obi Asika, Seyi Shay and DJ Sose were selected as judges for the season, with veteran host IK Osakioduwa serving as host. Through a series of auditions, a controversial top 11 was picked by the judges, deviating from the usual top 10 format and stirring up conversation on Nigerian social media. The Top 11 included Kingdom Kroseide, Clinton, Atela Francis, Akunna, Comfort Alalade, Beyoncé Ajomiwe, Daniel Ikechi, Faith Mac, Faith Jason, Dotun Deloye and Eljay. The contestants finished in the following positions: 1st Kingdom, 2nd Francis, 3rd Akunna, 4th Comfort, 5th Faith Jason, 6th Emmanuel, 7th Beyonce, 8th Daniel, 9th Clinton, 10th & 11th Faith Mac & Dotun. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the live shows didn't have human audiences and used applause tracks instead. For the top 5, top 4 and top 3 live shows, guest judges Mr P, Praiz and Cobhams Asuquo were brought in respectively. In July 2021, Kingdom Kroseide emerged winner in what is said to be the most emotional Nigerian Idol finale ever, defeating fellow Top 2 contestant Atela Francis. Kroseide was given a prize money of 30 million Naira, a brand new SUV, all expense paid trips to Dubai and Seychelles, a recording contract, a one-year supply of Bigi Drinks and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Nigerian Idol?
Nigerian Idol was created by Simon Fuller.
Which network aired Nigerian Idol?
Nigerian Idol aired on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family.
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