NIGERIAN IDOL: THE RACE TO THE FINALS COULDN'T HAVE BEEN ANY LESS

Oladokun Olajumoke wowing the Judges

Nigerian Idol kicked off its first episode of a brand new season of great music, great fun and great moments, as season three of the series got to a flying start. From gospel to groovy, there was a host of talent on display and Nigeria is in for another thrilling season. And, there is a new judge on the scene—how does that change the game?

After a brief montage of the high points of the previous two seasons, season three of Nigerian Idol welcomed us to the heart of the nation, Abuja, where the brand new addition to the judging team, Afro-beat legend and three-time Grammy nominee Femi Kuti made his debut alongside singers Yinka Davies and dancer Jeffery Daniel.

Hundreds showed up to audition and the excitement was palpable as Idol hopefuls lined up around the building for a chance to make it to the next level. The very first audition by Colins Ukaigwe, was a shaky introduction to the new season, and Femi Kuti quickly set the tone for his judging style by telling Ukaigwe, “You are going to drive away all the music from this room if you continue!”

A few more disappointing auditions followed, but just as the judges reached their breaking point, things began to look up. Oladokun Olajumoke, a 21-year-old impressed with her rendition of British singer Adele’s song, ‘Someone like you’, while gospel talk show presenter Uchechi Okwuosa also made it to the next round. And there was also good news for return contestant Sylvester Kiskin, better known as ‘Sly1’ he breezed through.

G-Circuit with his Golden Ticket

Soon yeses abounded, and many contestants were getting positive reviews from all three judges. Two contestants truly impressed the Femi, Yinka and Jeffrey, flying past the additional audition rounds and straight into the top 100 competition in Lagos, courtesy of a golden ticket. One golden ticket winner was Onoja Godwin (G-Circuit), a judges’ favourite from season two.

“And still, these loaded episodes are only icing on the cake,”

explained Tiwa Medubi, the project manager. “Nigerian Idol is set to bring you the best of drama, excitement and soulful music. Dreams are being born here and it is our pleasure that viewers get to see the entire picture behind these immensely talented people.”

The show continues next weekend with more drama and excitement as the audition train moves to Port Harcourt.

Nigerian Idol Season 3 judges; Jeffrey Daniels, Yinka Davies and Femi Kuti

Hosted by On-Air-Personality Ill Rymz, Yinka Davies, Jeffrey Daniels and Femi Kuti are in the judges seat this season of the highly rated reality TV show. The Etisalat sponsored third season of Nigerian Idol will air from December 16th 2012 and run until April 14th 2013.

Showing on weekend prime time television, catch Nigerian Idol on NTA Network at 4.00pm on Sundays, Sound city and ONTV : at 7pm on Sundays and Saturdays , STV at  8.00pm on Sundays and 6pm on Saturdays and TVC at  9.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The grand prize for this season is worth $100,000 which includes:  N7.5 million in cash, a recording contract also worth N7.5 million, and an SUV.

NOT PSQAURE: PETER AND PAUL A.K.A. PIP TAKE CENTRE STAGE

PETER & PAUL A.K.A. PIP

You may be more familiar with Peter and Paul A.K.A. PSquare in the circular music world but the gosple world had a calling for Peter and Paul A.K.A PIP as well. I had a chat with these talented twins in my office just recently and I thought their idea was truly amazing. Read along.

Very few provide uplifting music that is centered in the gospel message. Music for people of all ages; happy, soulful and touching is a rare delight and one’s life is blessed to encounter such melody.

Enter Peter and Paul Hiikyaa; twins born to the family of Mr. B.H Agaga the duo popularly known as PIP are graduates of A.B.U whose musical influences come from years spent in the choir right form their time spent at Mount Saint Gabriel’s secondary school. The gospel duo honed their musical skills over the years and now they are fully established artist and music producers with a flourishing music production studio in the FCT.

The album ‘God will make you smile’ is packed with gospel music that keeps the heart praising and the spirit worshiping. Personally the bouncy tunes of Higher-Higher kept me dancing and I found myself inspired by the soulful ballad do what you got to do.

The duo has worked with several artists over the years; the likes of Joshua Attah, Maquin, Heart Onate, Gabriel Obute and a host of others. The album features collaboration with Maquin and a touching tribute to their father who passed away almost a year ago.

God will make you smile will be launched on the 9^th of December at Center for Arts and Culture Area 10 in the FCT. Red carpet begins at 1:30 and the show commences at 5pm. Trust me (and I don’t say this often) you don’t want to miss this!