D’banj, Simi, & Obi Asika Return As Judges For Nigerian Idol’s 8th Season 

Nigerian Idol will return in April 2023 for its eighth season.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Music talent competitions are one of the avenues for discovering new talent in Nigeria, and Nigerian Idol is a notable program that has produced countless singers, including performers Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, and Mercy Chinwo. In Nigeria, the worldwide music talent competition will return for its ninth season.

At a media presentation in the company’s multifunctional Lagos studio on Tuesday, March 28, MultiChoice Nigeria confirmed the show’s and judges’ comeback. IK Osakioduwa, a popular TV personality, will host the show for the third time, with Obi Asika, who will also judge in his third season. Simi, the band’s superstar singer-songwriter, and D’banj, the band’s multi-award-winning performer, are also returning for a second time.

The show’s return was confirmed in January, with online and in-person auditions following shortly after.

The eighth season will air on April 23, beginning with audition recordings. Audiences may anticipate amusing and gorgeous performances from emerging superstars. Audition and theatrical week will be broadcast from April 23 to May 21, allowing viewers to follow the journey of the final live-show hopefuls. The live concerts will begin on May 28 and will conclude on July 16, when a new Nigerian Idol will be announced.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, discussed the reasons for the show’s eighth season.  She said, “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.”

Simi, the returning judge, discussed the attributes that a Nigerian Idol must possess. She said, “Have a great work ethic and be passionate about your work Talent is never enough.”

Obi Asika, on the other hand, said that he was excited to begin the process of selecting a new champion. He said, “If you are going to make it to the top 20, that’s a real fight because there are a lot of people, and many fall 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 can assure you that there are special people this season.”

Adeayo Adebiyi, a music writer for Pulse Nigeria, questioned one of the judges, Obi Asika if the forthcoming season will represent Nigeria’s music landscape, especially since the program is renowned for focusing heavily on vocal capability.

Asika said that the program was established on singing ability, and he hopes that this season’s audition would draw more talent that reflects the Nigerian popular music business.

Nigerian Idol is a platform designed to expose exceptional Nigerian voices to a worldwide audience while providing contestants with a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Fans can expect the finest entertainment as they watch talents from all around the country battle for the ultimate prize.