The show will premiere on April 23, 2023, as D’banj, Simi, and Obi Asika return to preside as judges, alongside beloved host IK Osakioduwa. This follows the brilliant success of the past edition that saw Progress Chukwuyem emerge as the winner and walk away with a prize package worth N100 million worth.
On Tuesday, March 28, MultiChoice Nigeria announced the show and judges’ return at a media launch at the company’s Lagos studio. Popular television personality, IK Osakioduwa, returns 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 multiple-award-winning entertainer D'banj are back for a second time, ensuring the band stays together.
The leading entertainment company announced the return of the show in January, with the online and physical Auditions following shortly after. The eighth season will premiere on April 23, starting with recordings from the Auditions. Fans expect to be thrilled by hilarious and beautiful performances from upcoming superstars. 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.
Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria spoke about MultiChoice’s reasons for producing an eighth season of the show. She said, “Nigerian Idol has continued to offer talented Nigerian artists the platform to show the continent what they can do and gives them the 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 this talent and gives them a chance to hone their skills in readiness for their contracts. This year we are thrilled to have our entire panel of judges back; D’Banj, Simi, Obi Asika. They will return to steer the course of affairs. We look forward to a wide array of music and song choices across genres and spectacular performances that together deliver a fantastic show.”
Returning judge Simi spoke about the qualities a Nigerian Idol must possess. She said, “Have a great work ethic and be passionate about your work. Talent is never enough.”
On the other hand, Obi Asika confessed he was looking forward to beginning the journey of choosing a new winner. 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 talent. It’s one of the things that make Nigerians special. This amazing talent comes through every year, and I can assure you that 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. As usual, the show will bring fans the best entertainment as they watch the individuals with the best talent battle to the top.
Over the years, Nigerian Idol has produced some of the most prominent musicians in Nigeria, such as Timi Dakolo, Mercy Chinwo, Kingdom, Progress, and Omawumi, who have made a name for themselves in the local and global music scenes. The goal is to produce another superstar at the end of this season.
For more information on Nigerian Idol, visit www.africamagic.tv/nigerianidol. You can also follow the official Nigerian Idol social media pages for news and updates with the hashtag #NigerianIdol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.