Nigerian Idol 2021 to premiere this March

The weekly show will return after a five-year hiatus and will be aired on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 29 at 6pm WAT.

The announcement follows online auditions, which were held from 29 November to 13 December when more than 3 600 entries were received. This year’s winner will walk away with a grand prize package worth more than ₦50m (about $130 000).

“This season of Nigerian Idol is like nothing you’ve ever seen,” MultiChoice Nigeria chief customer officer Martin Mabutho said. “In line with our promise to always bring the best and most entertaining content to our customers, we have put together a show that we’re sure will have viewers on the edge of their seats.

“Nigerian Idol is famed for producing superstars and this season, we’re going even bigger – with the grand prize and with everything else. We can’t wait to show you all we have planned.”

Africa Magic channel director Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu added: “We believe that this season’s Nigerian Idol will produce a fresh crop of talent who will be well-grounded to conquer both the local and global music scene.”

The show will be hosted by TV personality IK Osakioduwa and previously announced judges for the contest include Obi Asika, Seyi Shay and DJ Sose.

“I was excited when I was called to host this show because I once auditioned to host the contest and I didn’t get it,” Osakioduwa said. “I did go on to host something else that was just as grime and just as beautifully produced by African Magic or M-Net at the time, but now is a chance to go back and I am excited about this. I can guarantee that this will be like nothing the fans have ever seen.”