Entertainment
D’banj, Simi, Obi Asika Returning As Judges On Nigerian Idol – Temjumola
The Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola, announced that two singers D’banj and Simi, will be returning as judges for the eighth season of Nigerian Idol.
MultiChoice Nigeria is the producer of the country’s most prestigious singing competition, and the show is set to premiere on April 23rd
According to Tejumola, the superstars are being returned as judges following their experiences as performers and brilliant outing at the last edition that saw Progress Chukwuyem emerge as the winner, walking away with N100 million worth of gifts.
Speaking at the media unveiling of the show and the judges during the week, Tejumola said TV host IK Osakioduwa will return for the third time as the host of the show alongside music producer, Obi Asika who will also be a judge in his third season.
“Nigerian Idol has continued to offer talented Nigerian artists the platform to show the continent what they can do and an 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 these talents and a chance for them to hone the skill in readiness for their contracts,” Tejumola said.
She added: “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.”
On her part, one of the judges, Simi, said for a Nigerian Idol, “talent is not enough but must have a great work ethic and be passionate about his work”.
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 talents. It’s one of the things that make Nigerians special. These amazing talents come through every year, and I can assure you that there are special people this season.”
The popular TV show Nigerian Idol is making a comeback for its eighth season, with auditions conducted both online and in person after Multichoice announced the show’s return in January. The season will commence on April 23, with the airing of the audition recordings.
The audition and theatre weeks will be aired from April 23 to May 21. The live shows will start on May 28 and end on July 16, with the announcement of the new Nigerian Idol.
Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt early on Monday morning.
The rapper shared the shocking claim on social media, stating that the incident occurred as he was driving home from a club in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.
In a video posted on his Instagram, Darlington revealed the damage to his car, showing multiple bullet holes in the rear.
READ MORE: Police Plotting Kangaroo Trial Against Me – Sowore
“Long face sent killers my way, and I have not even posted anything. Bro, is this necessary? You tried to take my life. Really?” he said, visibly shaken in the footage.
The rapper further expressed his disbelief, saying, “I never talk anything he don dey send killers, what is he scared of! That means am right.”
Though he did not explicitly identify the person behind the alleged attack, his comments have fueled speculation that the incident may be linked to his recent controversies and publicized detention.
Recall that Speed Darlington had been released from Kuje prison, where he had been held for undisclosed charges.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has previously suggested that the Afrofusion star Burna Boy played a role in the rapper’s detention.
Authorities have yet to comment on the matter, and an investigation is reportedly underway.
Media personality, Toke Makinwa has criticized music icon, 2Baba for publicly revealing the collapse of his marriage to Annie, after 12 years together.
Biztellers reports that in a candid Instagram post on Sunday, 2Baba disclosed that he and Annie had been separated for some time and were now in the process of filing for divorce.
Toke, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, expressed her disapproval of 2Baba’s decision to air their private matters online.
READ MORE: SERAP Takes Legal Action Against FG Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike
Responding to the video, she wrote, “This is wrong on all levels, and you should be ashamed of yourself for bringing this here. Bring it on. If you think she’s alone, let me tell you here that you’ll have to fight all of us.”
The media personality further vented her frustration in an Instagram story, urging women to speak out against the situation.
“I’m not one for too much talk, but what is wrong is wrong, and as a woman, if you sit on the fence on this one, if it misses you, it’ll touch your daughter or any female in your family,” she posted. “No one is innocent, and if you want to bring the media into it, knowing what is happening, we would fight for her.”
Toke’s anger didn’t stop there.
On Monday, she shared another Instagram story, questioning 2Baba’s decision to make the divorce public at this particular time.
“Nobody is asking anybody to stay in a situation that’s not serving them any purpose anymore; by all means, leave if you must, but why bring this online this very moment?” she wrote.
RELATED NEWS:
‘My Account Wasn’t Hacked’ – 2Baba Admits To Divorce Announcement
Shock As 2Baba Announces Separation From Wife, Annie Idibia
She also suggested that the true details behind their separation would eventually come to light, adding, “We know what is going on behind closed doors. The world doesn’t know anything; it’s already been hectic with opinions flying around, and when I say we will fight for her, I’m not talking about the general public. A handful of people know the truth, and time will tell.”
Toke concluded her message by highlighting the importance of timing and empathy in handling personal matters, especially when it involves high-profile individuals like 2Baba and Annie.
“You constantly preach love; you cannot add to the narrative that’s out there when you know what is really happening behind closed doors,” she stated.
Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has confirmed his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia, after 13 years of marriage.
The singer also dismissed earlier claims that his Instagram account had been hacked, stating that a controversial post about the separation was, in fact, made by him.
The now-deleted post, which first appeared on his Instagram page, announced the end of the couple’s marriage, stating:“Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long…I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now and currently filed for divorce.
“I would grant a press release soon to say my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offense. Stay blessed my people. I love you all.” It added
RELATED NEWS:
Shortly after the post went viral, another update appeared on the same account, claiming that the page had been compromised.
The follow-up read, “My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control. #onelove!”
However, in a video shared on his Instagram story late Sunday, 2Baba clarified the situation, confirming that his account had not been hacked.
He implied that the initial post about the separation was authentic, leaving fans and the public stunned.
However, 2Baba assured his fans of a forthcoming press release to explain his side of the story.
2Baba and Annie Idibia, who tied the knot in 2012, have long been considered one of Nigeria’s most iconic celebrity couples.
News of their separation has sparked widespread reactions, with many expressing disappointment and support for the couple during this difficult time.
Dele Farotimi Appointed National Organising Secretary of Afenifere
No Place For Sharia Court In Ogun State, Says Gov Abiodun
JUST IN: Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Energy Summit In Tanzania
APC Fingers Atiku For Nigeria’s Dysfunctional Opposition Parties
‘I Can Only Be Removed At A National Convention – PDP’s Samuel Anyanwu Declares
Fire Breaks Out On Air Busan Plane In South Korea, One Injured
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
