The Bigi sponsored exhilarating music reality show, Nigerian Idol, took an Afrobeat twist on Sunday as the top six contestants had stunning renditions that got the judges and audience amazed at the exceptional display of musical prowess in a bid to outwit the other for the grand finale.
The well-liked talent discovery platform, which will climax on 20th May 2022, will see the winner smiling home with N100 million worth of prizes, including a recording deal from a label, a brand-new Sports Utility Vehicle, cash prizes, and other exciting gifts.
Indeed, it was an evening of outstanding performances as the six contestants – Jordan, Banty, Itohan, Zadok, Faith, and Progress – demonstrated that they earned the votes that kept them to the sixth-week gig, which saw David Operah being evicted.
To add colour to the show, the winner of the Nigerian Idol Season 6, Kingdom Kroseide, and one of the contestants then, Akunna, joined the Season 7 top six to perform the song Oliver Twist, by D’Banj, which was released 10 years ago. It was moving, with systematic stage display and sonorous vocals that took the admiration of the judges and audience. And with a standing ovation, the judges, including Obi Asika, Dapo Oyebanjo (well known by his stage name D’Banj), Simisola Bolatito Kosoko (popularly known as Simi) and IK Osakioduwa, the host.
Spectacularly, the first Afrobeat rendition by Jordan on Anybody, by Burna Boy was sensational, and it was applauded by Asika, who enthused that the contestant did well. “You have made Burna Boy proud”, Asika enthused, while Simi and D’Banj said that they were surprised at first when Jordan started, thinking he might not go far with it, but were wowed with his performance.
Banty followed with Love Don’t Cost a Dime, by Magixx, a gig that made Simi excited saying, “I enjoyed the song, overjoyed with the way you delivered it”, while D’Banj and Asika with smiles said, “it was amazing.”
Itohan, who is 17, the youngest of the contestants did justice to the song NaGode, by Yemi Alade. It was a show of talent that got D’Banj thrilled, saying “each time you get on stage, you perform well considering your age. Content is in you and it is the biggest exploit”, while Simi avowed, “Good one”, and Asika declared, “You are very comfortable when you sing, that was lovely”.
Intriguingly, Zadok, whose performance the previous week kept the judges entertained, sang Kiss Daniel’s Laye and got the audience carried away with his stage display and body movement. And with a standing ovation, he was hailed for his continuous musical skills, as Simi stated, “Zaddy Baby, l love you”. D’Banj on his part urged him to keep the fire burning in him.
Also, Faith did well with Emiliana, by Ckay, and got the judges elated, with Simi’s comment that she goes for songs that suits her voice. D’Banj expressed his satisfaction with Faith’s act saying “God bless you”, and Asika with “beautiful performance”.
Progress, who came up with a wonderful performance with Ayra Starr’s Bloody Samaritan was commended by Asika who said “you brought in positive energy into your act and you did well”, while Simi praised him saying, “it was astonishing”. Not left out was D’Banj, with “l love how you perform”.
Another glorious moment that form part of the Nigerian Idol show was the presentation of a birthday cake to Simi by her super fan, the top-notch highlife artiste, Adekunle Gold.
Co-sponsored by Bigi carbonated soft drink with its 13 variants and table water, Nigerian Idol Season 7 is aired on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151), Africa Magic Urban (DStv Channel 153, and GOtv Supa Channel 6) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 & GOtv Channel 2).
