MultiChoice Nigeria announced the show and judges’ return at a media launch in the company’s multipurpose Lagos studio on Tuesday, March 28.
Popular TV personality, IK Osakioduwa, will be returning as the show’s host for a third time alongside Obi Asika, who will also be judging his third season. Superstar singer-songwriter Simi and multi-award-winning entertainer D’banj are also back for a second time.
The eighth season will premiere on April 23, starting with recordings from the auditions. The auditions and theatre week will air from April 23 till May 21, so fans can follow the journey of the final live-show contestants.
The live shows will begin on May 28 and end on July 16, when a new Nigerian Idol will emerge.
The winner of the show would be receiving a N35 million cash prize and N65 million worth of other gifts.
Speaking at the media parley held on Tuesday, March 28, Dr Busola Tejumola, executive head of content and West Africa channels at MultiChoice Nigeria explained the company’s reasons for producing an eighth season of the show.
According to her: “Nigerian Idol has continued to offer talented Nigerian artists the platform to show the continent what they can do and an opportunity to rise to fame through hard work and dedication. It is a rare chance to gain access to the hands-on mentorship provided by the judges, our vocal coaches, the world-class production team and the choreographers that altogether unveil the intricacies of the industry to these talents and a chance for them to hone the skill in readiness for their contracts.”
Also speaking at the parley, one of the judges, Obi Asika, said he looked forward to choosing a new winner. He said: “If you are going to make it to the top 20, that’s a real fight because the many people off. Every single year, I’m upset that we left some people behind. It’s always a battle, but it’s also a pleasure. We are blessed with incredible talents. It’s one of the things that make Nigerians special. These amazing talents come through every year, and I assure you there are special people this season
Nigerian Idol is a platform created to showcase remarkable Nigerian voices to a global audience whilst empowering participants with an opportunity of a lifetime.
The show is expected to bring fans the best entertainment as they watch the individuals with the best talent battle to the top prize.
Over the years, the show has produced some of the most prominent musicians in Nigeria, such as Timi Dakolo, Mercy Chinwo, Kingdom, Progress, and Omawumi, who have made names for themselves in the local and global music scenes.
