14 contestants sing for $100,000
The memory of this great literary depiction is set to be brought to life as 14 contestants/groups from seven zones of the country dream of a life-time opportunity offered by “Naija Sings”, a new talent-hunt singing reality show created exclusively for Nigeria to promote budding Nigerian singers and thier songs. At stake is a whopping […]
The memory of this great literary depiction is set to be brought to life as 14 contestants/groups from seven zones of the country dream of a life-time opportunity offered by “Naija Sings”, a new talent-hunt singing reality show created exclusively for Nigeria to promote budding Nigerian singers and thier songs. At stake is a whopping US$100,000, an opportunity to join some of Africa’s biggest acts and a coveted slot to perform at this year’s Channel O Music Video Awards coming up later in South Africa.
Pip’s poor background, his struggle against adversity and the sudden providence that brings him into immense wealth will supply viewers of Naija Sings the tonic to follow the contestants’ dreams and aspirations from the start of the show to finish. Snippets of happenings from the auditions, which took place in May and June in the cities of Calabar, Lagos, Enugu, Abuja, Jos, Kaduna and Bauchi will be screened on DStv Channel 102 at 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Recording of the competition proper will commence in August in Lagos.
Expectations are already high as the producers—M-Net, and its partners, Storm 360 and NeverMachine—have promised that the show would surpass records set by similar interactive reality music-based competitions in the past, especially “Idols West Africa”.
While unveiling the show earlier in April, MultiChoice Nigeria’s Head of Corporate Communications, Segun Fayose, said, “Truly, Naija Sings promises to be an exciting platform for any Nigerian above the age of 18, who has the talent to sing. The massive prize is an amount that can turn around one’s fortune overnight”.
Like Dickens’s Pip, Nigerian youths trooped out in large numbers to participate in the talent-hunt reality show, in a bid to make it big on stage. If they succeed, whether as individual or group participants, their lives will never be the same again.
These contestants know that no circumstance can chain a determined mind. All they need do would be to give their best when called upon and allow their destinies to speak for them.
The lucky 14 individual/group contestants who will participate in the show, while they jubilate, should remember it is not yet Uhuru as M-Net has established for itself a reputation for excellence in the packaging and delivery of reality shows over time. Therefore, if contestants count their chickens before being hatched, they should put in their best to curry the favour of viewers, who would always be on the lookout for favourite(s) among the pack and choose the winner accordingly.
The contestants will have to be courageous and awaken the giants inside of them. “Naija Sings” is a platform for the lionhearted where opportunities abound for those who are willing to exceed their vocal boundaries. Whoever emerges winner on October 3, 2009 will write his or her name in gold.
The prize sum of $100,000 is tempting enough. With all the goodies at stake, each contestant should set their expectations very high and out-sing other competitors. Dickens’s Pip wanted a noble life; he desired a noble status but his low self-esteem stood between him and the realisation of his dream. He eventually struck fortune when he rose above his challenges. The lesson in Pip’s story is that no matter one’s background, if one believes in one’s dream and works hard, one can achieve it. Another lesson is that great expectations usually meet great manifestations.
For Naija Sings’ contestants, expectations should range from continuing their education – the type that will enhance their future, help them consolidate their budding music careers and other aspirations, committing themselves to helping a worthy society cause, etc. To get to the top, a lot is required of those who are willing to dare.
With the debut of Naija Sings, the stage is set for the manifestation of new Nigerian talents. Week after week, Nigerians expect to be treated to unique songs including, but not limited to, afrobeat, afrojuju, fuji, Naija classic pop, Naija contemporary hits, highlife, etc. Contestants will also have an opportunity to do international songs like the R ’n B, Soul and Motown classics. Probably, there will emerge from Naija Sings a phenomenon in the mould of the late world-acclaimed king of pop, Michael Jackson.