Connect with us

Entertainment

10 Nigerian artistes who emerged from talent shows

Published

on

10 Nigerian artistes who emerged from talent shows

Nigeria is a nation blessed with an abundance of talents and unique abilities.

Attaining stardom and achieving celebrity status is an easy dream come true for many people, while others have to work through various routes to reach the upper echelon, some just need the appropriate plug.

In a nation of almost 200 million people, it is impossible for everyone to come up simultaneously. Accompanied with the inherent talent, of course, emergence into superstardom takes hard work, dedication and a little bit of luck to attain relevance.

Not everyone will be signed by Don Jazzy’s Mavins Records or Olamide’s YBNL, sometimes, the musician must fight for his place in the upper echelon. They must create their own path to destiny by going through at least one or more talent hunt shows to be crowned.

On our list today, we will be discussing several artistes who had to fight through thick and thin to wear the crown of becoming a superstar.

Note, not every artiste on this list emerged victorious in the competition that they participated in, however, they have gone on to become one of the biggest acts in the music industry.

Below is a list of some Nigerian artistes who became famous from specifically music reality talent shows.

1. Iyanya

Iyanya describes Ubi Franklin as a ‘distraction’

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, known by his stage name Iyanya became a star after winning the first season of the MTN Project Fame West Africa TV show.

2. Chidinma

Chidinma Ekile rose to stardom just like Iyanya when she won the 2010 MTN Project Fame West Africa reality TV show which was the third season.

The petite star has since been a favourite in the Nigerian music industry.

3. Omawunmi

Omawumi became recognised when in 2007, she emerged as the first runner-up on the first edition of the West African Idols music competition, a reality TV show part of the Idols franchise.

This set the ball rolling for her when her first single ‘In The Music’ endeared music lovers to her.

4. Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo denies car gift & being joined in marriage by Pastor Fatoyinbo

Timi has evolved into an award-winning Nigerian soul singer after rising to fame when he emerged winner of West African Idol 2007.

5. Yemi Alade

Buhari, Sadiya, Tinubu, Alade, others keep the mills busy

Yemi gained prominence after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009, and is best known for her hit single “Johnny”. She has since grown to be loved beyond the shores of Africa.

Read also: RICH KIDS: 11 Nigerian artistes who emerged from wealthy homes

6. Kcee

Touched by Waje's dilemma, KCEE reveals how he almost quit music

The Limpopo crooner gained prominence after he won the first position alongside his then partner, Presh, of the first edition of the Star Quest reality TV show which was sponsored by Nigerian Breweries. KCee now rides solo after the duo decided to pursue their music careers individually.

7. Praiz

Praise Ugbede Adejo aka Praiz gained more attention when he emerged the second runner-up in the first edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa reality show.

8. Dare Art-Alade

Darey is a product of the 2004 Project Fame Academy in South-Africa where he emerged third.

He is the son of the renowned Nigerian entertainer, Art Alade.

9. Chike

Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka, popularly known by his stage name Chike, is a multi-talented Nigerian singer, songwriter and actor.

He is known for participating in the Nigerian reality competition Project Fame West Africa and finishing in second place on Season 1 of The Voice Nigeria.

10. Bisola Aiyeola

Bisola Aiyeola has been described as an entertainment polymath, due to her abilities. She is both an actress and singer.

Aiyeola was one of the contestants at MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2008 where she came 5th and Iyanya won.
In 2017, Bisola became the first runner up of Big Brother Naija.
In 2018, she won the AMVCA Trailblazer Award at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now