NIGERIAN IDOL CONTESTANTS BATTLE WITH BROADWAY HITS
The third gala show of the fifth season of the Etisalat- sponsored Nigerian Idol was an hour filled with performances, duets and an epic surprise, as the judges used their only save in the show to recall Sther, an evicted wildcard contestant. This twist expanded the Top six to Top seven contestants.
EME First Lady, Niyola, who performed her break out single ‘ Toh Bad’ on the show, also joined the judging trio of Darey Art Alade, Yinka Davies and Dede Mabiaku, as a guest judge.
The gala show which was themed ‘ Broadway’ featured; Brenda, Dolu, Classic Tunes, Nex2, K- Peace and Preye as well as Sther, who got another opportunity into the competition thanks to the judges. The night featured seven solo and three duet performances.
Brenda and Nex 2 led the duet performances with ‘ Beauty and the Beast’, Preye and Classiq Tunez performed Luther Vandross’ ‘ Impossible Dream’ while Dolu and K- Peace ended the show with Aladdin’s ‘A whole new world.’
The battle for Top Five spot commenced with Preye leading the Broadway appearances with ‘Summertime’ by Porgy and Bess to the admiration of the judges. Thereafter, the Fuji master, K Peace took his performance some notches higher with a superlative rendition of the Lion King soundtrack, ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ and received a standing ovation from the studio audience after his performance.
Dolu held the Judges and studio audience spellbound with her performance of Annie’s ‘Opportunity’ and guest judge, Niyola confessed that she was blown away with her gusto performance.
It was however not a good night for Nex2, whose performance of ‘ This is your City’ by Annie failed to cut it for the Judges who submitted that he made a wrong choice of song. However, Brenda lifted the mood by delivering a classic performance of Barelis’ ‘She Used to Be Mine’, which drew applause from the studio audience and Judges, especially Yinka who said that Brenda pulled a nerve in her.
Classiq Tunez took off from where Brenda stopped and delivered a jaw- dropping Falsetto of ‘ Tomorrow’ after which, amidst tears, Sther wrapped up the night’s solo performances with an emotional delivery of Peter Pan’s ‘ Do you remember?’.
Manager, Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu said she was surprised that the Judges saved the same contestant twice. Egwu said, “I am still stunned that the Judges saved Sther twice because they have never used their lifeline twice on a contestant. I am sure they see something promising in her.”
Responding to Egwu’s astonishment and the audience’s as well, Dede described the appearance of Sther as their joker in the competition. Dede said, “Bringing Sther back with our lifeline is the joker of Season 5 and we were thrilled with everybody’s reaction. Sther has been the most improved of all the contestants and we hope she will make this investment worthwhile.” of God. I have the support of Koga. I have the support of my fans and the support of my friends and family.”
The singer also spoke on the release of his song, ‘ Anything’ and two music videos for his single titled ‘ Coloured,’ which was shot by Unlimited LA and the video of ‘ Ewo Omo.’
The track ‘ Anything’ has the usual African- flavoured beat and dictates the dance steps with indigenous heavy rap.
Zayo also thanked his label, Koga for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to achieve musical greatness.
“For me, Koga is family… Like blood! Koga Entertainment is a team that helps you chase your vision, career and what you are all about in a way that shows that they are a family. They help you get to the point you aspire to get to.”
Interestingly, his biggest Nigerian inspiration remains Fela Anikulapo Kuti; a man whose musical influence is celebrated well beyond the shores of Nigeria and repeatedly honoured by international brands and prominent personalities across Europe, UK and beyond.