Entertainment-1
How Nigeria talent shows can truly help contestants
On Sunday, December 13, 2020, Nigerians celebrated the birth of a new star from the MTN Y’ello Star reality TV show. Okeowo Oladotun Alani, aka Dotti won the prize after a long campaign where he shone so bright. The other top five contestants include Gideon, Storm, Caesar and Fay Fay Diamond.
Dotti isn’t the only winner. Everyone who signed up for the show went through the weeks of training and contests, will go home armed with something. They all get connected to opportunities and certifications from prestigious schools for capacity building and long-term empowerment.
This new reward system goes against normalcy. We’ve seen variants of this scene a million times. A group of young people are ushered on to a decorated stage, with lights, cameras, and a charismatic host who controls the event. The young people carry out a prearranged activity—singing, dancing, blowing flames from their mouth—and get scored for points based on their comparative level of success. One by one, they are all deemed as ‘not good enough,’ except for one candidate who’s crowned a winner and ushered into wealth and functional prizes designed to improve their lives and boost their careers. The other contestants walk off the stage, and back into a world that has become aware of their existence but hasn’t equipped them with tools to thrive.
The winner usually takes it all. The second place carries nothing of value. And if you come third? Only the memories and learnings from the competition would provide comfort. This reward system isn’t unfair. But after weeks of fame and hypervisibility and hope, it provides an allowance for people to fall through the cracks. Our cultural space is packed with prime talent from reality TV shows, who fail to spark and explode due to inadequate support to maintain the momentum of a good run. Nigeria is fertile ground for myriad talent shows and artsy skill hunts. And each time, the reality TV show organisers do little to support contestants.
Talent hunt shows have been at the heart of a lot of good in Nigeria’s music industry, and a conveyor belt of stars and talented prospects. MTN Project Fame West Africa, one of the show’s earliest versions, introduced local stars including Iyanya, Darey Art Alade, Chidinma, Praiz and many more.
Afrohouse artist, Niniola is a reality TV show alumni. Her comeup grind has taken her to many flashy spaces where rejection has been a constant companion. She’s a storied a veteran of reality TV shows, running around Lagos and Abuja, singing at auditions, looking for a way in. When Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007, Niniola auditioned for a spot. And when they didn’t pick her, she travelled to another audition centre in Abuja, cried and threw a tantrum to get another chance. She still received a no.
Another talent hunt show, X-Factor, came around in 2013 and Niniola threw her hat in the ring, facing more rejection from a panel that included renowned singer Onyeka Onwenu and rapper M.I Abaga. “I got a standing ovation from them and in my mind, I was like yes! At last! And after that, they dropped me again. I’m like, ‘O God, are my village people following me?’ she says.
Her big break came a few months later at the MTN Project Fame West Africa, where she got a nod, eventually finishing the third runner up, and walking home with N2 million as her prize. She transferred that cash into seed money for her music, which helped her along to become a star.
But her case is anecdotal. She’s the one that got away. Hundreds of reality show winners struggled to find their feet after leaving the comfort of the program. Cut adrift, they wander the cold music industry, meeting frustrations at each turn. Without guidance or any post-show support, they tire and exit the industry. Their potential, unfulfilled.
“And you know all this reality show thingy. You think that is the industry? That’s not the industry. That is not it. That is just TV, one konkolo show,” she tells me, over an interview.
MTN Y’ello Star is introducing a new way for the future. A musical platform created by Nigeria’s leading Telecommunications and data services provider, MTN Nigeria to search for, discover, nurture, expose and launch music talents in young Nigerians. When these talents are discovered, they are assembled in a house where their skills and talents are horned through lectures, guidance, mentoring and practical sessions by renowned teachers, artists who have distinguished themselves in the industry. Through the contest, the winner, and runners up get prizes that will assist them in their musical aspirations. A grand prize still goes to the winner, alright. But there’s something for the rest of the gang.
To further provide value, the showrunners partnered with the Berklee College of Music and the Henley Business School to help develop the music and business understanding of all contestants of the competition. Here, there’s a working realisation that talent is not enough for Nigerian artists to compete on the global scale. So, capacity building and empowerment for everyone is the target.
Dotti, the winner of the show will head home with 5M Naira cash, a new car, brand new fully furnished apartment with a home recording studio and a brand new car. He also gets to record and produce a song at Berklee World-class Studio in New York, USA. For the 26 year old diploma holder, it’s a chance at a second life. The cash means no money worries for a long time. The house and the car take care of his other basic needs, the studio gives him an office, and the new song gets him out the blocks. Before the show, Dotti worked as a songwriter and a jingle producer inspired by Fatoumata Diawara, Oumou Sangare, Mali Music, Adeolu Akinsanya, and Brymo. He now has a personal studio to expand his skills. Easy life, easy win. Without the need and pressure to earn immediately, and cater for self, Dotti is mentally free to pursue the art and soar.
Beyond Dotti, there’s something for everyone. All 14 contestants get into an online Music Training Program from the prestigious Berklee School of Music. They also get to go through a Creative Entrepreneurship Training Program from the Henley Business School. The program gives them certification and inducts them into the Henley school alumni. The top five finalists— also get a scholarship to attend Berklee 2021 Summer Music Program at the Berklee School of Music.
By prioritizing education, Y’ello Star is equipping all contestants with a crucial career-boosting skill. The knowledge gap in the African music industry is a hindrance to economic progress. And very few people have access to globalised structured music programs for the business. All 14 contestants already have that leg up.
These rewards will definitely help Freeborn, a contestant of the show. A single mom of two girls. Freeborn didn’t make it into the top 5. She had dropped out of primary school and never got any form of formal education. But thanks to MTN Y’ello Star, she will be getting specialised degrees from The Berklee College of Music and Henley Business School certification, which is given to all 14 contestants. In line with the empowerment theme of the project, she won a special scholarship to the Berklee College of Music 2021 Summer Music Program in the USA. Due to her inclusion, 6 contestants will be attending the Berklee College of Music 2021 Summer Music Program in the USA. This is heartwarming stuff. Her first academic certification came via a reality TV show!
Freeborn was beyond elated at receiving a scholarship to attend the 2021 Summer Music Program at the Berklee College of Music. What an amazing opportunity.
Perhaps, this is the future of rewarding prime talent who battle it out on reality discovery programs. A core focus on empowerment and capacity building ensures that everyone goes home a winner. There’s tangible growth through the in-house training, and the added education ensures that beyond the show, the benefits keep rolling in.
Y’ello Star might be in its inaugural year, but it’s already solving preexisting moral and professional problems in our cultural space. As the new platform continues its quest to locate and amplify Nigeria’s best, it’s already leading on the right foot, and charting a course to elevate the industry via talent empowerment and capacity building
Continue Reading
Nigeria is set to welcome a new kind of reality TV show, Big Brain Naija (#BB9JA), which the organisers describe as a platform designed to discover, celebrate, and showcase the country’s brightest minds.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the show, powered by Big Brain Productions in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc, will officially debut in October.
According to the organisers, it will air on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and will be staged in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the official signing of the partnership agreement in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brain Productions, Mr. Kel Ameobi, explained that the initiative seeks to balance entertainment with innovation.
He stressed that the show would focus on creativity, ideas, and problem-solving rather than the usual theatrics and controversies that dominate popular reality shows in Nigeria.
“Big Brain Naija was created with a simple but powerful vision: to build a platform where intelligence meets entertainment,” Ameobi said.
He added that Nigerian youths have often been denied opportunities to showcase their ingenuity on the big stage, while entertainment spaces tend to reward superficial content.
He continued: “For too long, we’ve seen platforms celebrate emptiness and drama, while the brightest among us have no avenue to shine.
Big Brain Naija is not a show of noise but a stage for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We want to celebrate ideas, not controversies.”
Joining him, Chief Executive Officer of DAAR Communications Plc, Mr. Marcel Anyalechi, praised the project as a refreshing departure from the norm.
He noted that DAAR Communications would fully support the show across all its media platforms.
“This project blends innovation and creativity, and we believe it will bring real impact to the entertainment industry.
We are excited to partner with Big Brain Productions to showcase Nigerian talent not just to Africa but to the world,” Anyalechi said.
Adding to the details, Chief Operating Officer of Big Brain Naija, Mr. Ossai Ilome, explained that the first season will feature 37 contestants representing all 36 states and the FCT.
To make the competition even more unique, the show will introduce AI-powered judges, making it the first reality TV show in Africa to integrate artificial intelligence at such a scale.
Ilome revealed that the winner of the maiden season will walk away with a grand prize of N30 million and a brand-new car.
He emphasized that beyond entertainment, the project aims to reinforce Nigeria’s global image as a nation of intelligent and industrious people.
“The time has come to showcase Nigerians as visionary and exceptional people. While the show will retain the entertaining aspect of reality TV, its heart lies in celebrating intellect, ideas, and innovation,” Ilome said.
The organisers expressed optimism that Big Brain Naija would not only captivate audiences but also inspire young Nigerians to dream bigger and push creative boundaries.
With its unique blend of entertainment, innovation, and national representation, the show aims to become a defining moment for the Nigerian entertainment industry when it premieres in October.
The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State was thrown into panic last week after a skit maker and hairstylist, simply identified as Austin, was brutally murdered by suspected cultists.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, left residents in shock as the victim’s mutilated body was discovered with deep machete cuts.
Witnesses said the attackers severed one of his hands during the gruesome killing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the area at dawn in search of Austin.
Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him out of his apartment before hacking him to death in front of horrified neighbors.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro:
“There was commotion early Thursday morning, but nobody knew what was happening.
Later, we found Austin’s corpse with machete wounds, and one of his hands cut off. That was when we realized the noise we heard was linked to the attack.”
Shockingly, friends and neighbors revealed that Austin may have anticipated his death.
A close acquaintance disclosed that the deceased posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status just a day before the attack.
“Austin was a well-known hairstylist and also created comedy skits online. People close to him said he sensed danger and left a post hinting that something bad was about to happen,” a resident explained.
Videos shared with reporters showed his lifeless body lying on the ground with sympathizers gathered around, mourning the tragic loss.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls placed to his phone. A text message sent to him also went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.
The killing comes just days after Lagos police confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists in connection with the violent murder of another man, identified as Kamoru, alias Keeper, in the Ebute Meta area.
In a statement released in mid-July, Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects — Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Olamilekan Oluwatosin (27), Olalekan Olugbodi (54), and Ibrahim Oladimeji (22) — were apprehended by detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during an intelligence-led operation in Surulere.
Police said the suspects were involved in multiple cult clashes across Lagos, which have claimed several lives, including that of Kamoru.
Cult-related violence has been on the rise in Lagos communities, with gangs clashing over territorial control, drug turf wars, and political influence.
Many residents have repeatedly called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace.
Austin’s killing has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in Lagos suburbs, especially in fast-developing areas like Ibeju-Lekki, where rapid urbanization has also attracted cult activity.
For residents of Lakowe, the incident has created fear and uncertainty. Some expressed concern that young men in the area are being lured into cult groups due to unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of opportunities.
Community leaders are now urging the Lagos State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation and bring Austin’s killers to justice.
Many fear that without swift action, cult-related killings could escalate and spread further across Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding communities.
As of press time, security presence in Lakowe has been increased, but residents remain on edge, mourning the loss of a popular young hairstylist and entertainer whose life was cut short by suspected cultists.
Nigerian superstar Tems will make history by performing at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show. Taking place on July 13, 2025, at New York’s MetLife Stadium, this event highlights the powerful connection between sports and global entertainment. Moreover, it showcases Africa’s growing influence on the world stage.
Joining Tems are Colombian hitmaker J Balvin and American pop icon Doja Cat, ensuring an electrifying performance. Fans worldwide can watch the show live and free on DAZN.com, breaking barriers in accessibility. Additionally, this collaboration emphasizes music’s ability to unite diverse audiences.
Expressing her excitement, Tems stated, “We’ll bring the world together through football and music.” She also highlighted the event’s charitable mission, saying, “This is a chance to support children via the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.” Clearly, the performance goes beyond entertainment to drive meaningful change.
FIFA and Global Citizen partnered to raise $100 million for the fund, which promotes education and football for underprivileged children. Consequently, the halftime show merges spectacle with social impact. Tems reinforced this, saying, “This is about unity and making a difference.”
As anticipation grows, the 2025 final promises a groundbreaking fusion of football and music. Ultimately, the event will celebrate culture while advancing a vital cause. Without a doubt, Tems’ performance will leave a lasting legacy.
Nigerian superstar Wizkid has made history by becoming the first African artiste to exceed 20 billion global audio streams.
ChartMasters, a leading music data tracker, confirmed this milestone by compiling streams from his solo work and collaborations.
His 2016 global hit One Dance, featuring Drake and Kyla, remains his most-streamed song, with over 3.6 billion Spotify streams.
Additionally, this track holds a Guinness World Record as Spotify’s first song to reach 1 billion streams.
Several other hits have significantly contributed to Wizkid’s streaming success. For instance, Essence has garnered over 295 million streams, while Boom and Call Me Everyday have surpassed 173 million and 165 million streams, respectively. Similarly, Essence (Remix) and Come Closer have each crossed 160 million and 155 million streams.
Beyond streaming dominance, Wizkid earned the BRIT Billion Award in August 2023 for surpassing one billion UK streams. Consequently, this honor solidifies his influence in global music. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, the 34-year-old star rose to fame with his 2011 debut album Superstar.
As one of Afrobeats’ “Big 3,” Wizkid has consistently expanded the genre’s global reach.
His discography includes acclaimed albums like Ayo (2014), Sound from the Other Side (2017), and More Love, Less Ego (2022). Moreover, he holds the title of best-selling Afrobeats artiste ever, with over 65 million units sold worldwide.
In 2021, Wizkid won a Grammy for his feature on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl”, further elevating his legacy.
Currently, he is preparing to release Morayo in November 2024, a deeply personal album dedicated to his late mother.
Ultimately, Wizkid’s achievements highlight Afrobeats’ global rise and his pioneering role for African artistes.
His relentless innovation and record-breaking success continue to inspire the next generation of musicians worldwide.
The 2024 awards season kicked off with a major triumph for Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama “Anora”.
Baker’s film dominated the evening, earning five awards, including Best Picture, as he wrote, directed, produced, and edited the project.
Conan O’Brien hosted the event, which highlighted 23 categories celebrating industry-wide achievements.
Meanwhile, Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her captivating role in Anora, thrilling audiences and critics alike.
Additionally, Baker made history by securing four individual awards: Best Director, Original Screenplay, Film Editing, and Best Picture.
Elsewhere, Adrien Brody claimed Best Actor for The Brutalist, while Zoe Saldaña earned Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.
Kieran Culkin’s role in “A Real Pain” earned him the Best Supporting Actor accolade.
The international feature category saw Brazil’s “I’m Still Here“ taking home the top prize. Meanwhile, Latvia’s “Flow” was named Best Animated Feature. Other notable wins included *Conclave* for Best Adapted Screenplay and *El Mal* from *Emilia Pérez* for Best Original Song.
The technical categories highlighted a diverse array of films. “Wicked” dominated in areas such as Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, while *Dune: Part Two* excelled in Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
“The Brutalist” received recognition for its cinematography and original score.
In the documentary categories, “No Other Lan” won Best Documentary Feature, while “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” was awarded Best Documentary Short. The animated short category was led by “In the Shadow of the Cypress”, and “I’m Not a Robot” claimed victory as Best Live Action Short.
The evening celebrated a variety of creative talents and genres, with standout moments from both established names and emerging voices in cinema. As the awards season continues, “Anora” and its team have set a high bar for storytelling and filmmaking excellence.
-
Featured4 days agoYour Attacks on Peter Obi Are Petty, Stop It! Chekwas Rebukes Soludo
-
News3 days agoTension in Anambra community as senior police officer shoots kinsman dead
Colleagues, others try cover-up; victim's family fights back
-
News7 days agoAnambra South Bye-Election: APC Chief Rescues Deputy Gov Caught In Vote Buying From Angry Youths
By Chuks Collins, Awka
-
News5 days agoNigerian visa applicants must provide 5-yr social media history — US embassy
-
Celebrity/Entertainment22 hours agoHow Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night
-
Analysis6 days agoSystemic Sabotage: How APC, INEC Colluded To Undermine Amamgbo’s Senatorial Bid
By Arthur Ezechukwu
-
News3 days agoTerrorist Organisation: APC, PDP Members in US, UK, France Risk Deportation
-
Celebrity/Entertainment5 days agoWhy single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke
-
News6 days agoBREAKING: Troops arrest Nigeria’s most wanted terror kingpin
-
News2 days agoVandal electrocuted while vandalizing Aba power infrastructure