season that saw the crowning of Mercy Chinwo as the current Nigerian Idol, the
global music phenomenon returns for a third season and steps it up with
Afrobeat Legend Femi Kuti as judge.
“It’s a whole new package and cycle this season,”
said Tiwa Medubi, the Project Manager. “We keep bringing in new twists and
turns to make the show more interesting, two brand new cities made the audition
train and most exciting is our own living legend, three-time Grammy nominee and
Afrobeat king; Femi Kuti as one of our judges.”
Femi Kuti who is known to be very conservative, TV
shy and rarely leaves the Shrine save for few select performances in Nigeria
and world tours, it’s a remarkable testament to the power of the Nigerian Idol
brand for him to join the panel of judges.
One of Africa’s biggest recording artistes, Femi
Kuti brings to the show wealth of experience that spans well over three decades
of performing across the world, plays 6 musical instruments, and has received
several international awards. He has collaborated with musicians, including
Common, Mos Def, Jaguar Wright, D’Angelo, Macy Gray, The Soultronics, Nile
Rodgers, amongst others. Femi Kuti’s voice is featured in the videogame
Grand Theft Auto IV, where he is the host of radio station IF 99.
“I am honoured to be part of Nigerian Idol, a
show that discovers talents across the country in music. Saying I love music is
like saying snow is white. I am beyond passionate about music which is why I
single handedly thought myself to play four instruments. I play the Sax twelve
hours in a day training myself to get better. So an opportunity to be able to
impart on the lives of the future of Nigerian music is one I will never say no
to,” says Femi Kuti. “I was very proud when I watched Mercy Chinwo the
last winner give a remarkable performance of Felas Zombie when I was a guest
judge on the show last season. Many times you see people murder the songs or
over act with the moves and make the man look like a caricature but she got it
just right with guidance from the coach and judges. I’d like to be part of
moulding many more talents with Nigerian Idol, this year.”
Three-time Grammy Award nominee, Femi Kuti, is
truly a big step upwards for the Idol franchise in Nigeria.
“Femi’s input in this season hopefully will
definitely take the show to new frontiers, we are excited!” said Medubi.
Auditions for Nigerian Idol continues from the
20th of October. If you live in Aba, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, join us in Port
Harcourt on the 20th of October. If you are in Anambra, Enugu, Abia and other
neighboring states, would meet the audition train in Owerri on the 27th of
October. If you live in Delta, Ife, Ilorin, and other neighboring states, then
join us in Benin on the 3rd of November. If you have missed all of these
auditions get your bags, get on the road to Lagos for the last ticket to
being the next Nigerian Idol at the Bamako Studios on the 9th and 10th of
November.
This season’s prize is valued at $100,000 and the
elements are thus; N7.5 million cash, a recording contract worth N7.5million
and an SUV.
