Where Are Nigerian Idol Winners?

It's time to question 'Reality Shows' in this country. Audience have seen various reality shows created but could not stand the test of time, probably due to bad management or partial fulfillment of some basic requirements to the regulatory bodies or to best reasons known to them.

One of the reality shows that calls for attention is Nigerian Idol. It would be recalled that since 2010 when the first winner was crown, little or nothing have been heard.

Nigerian Idol is the local version of the Idol series franchise. It is the second Idol franchise for the country as it was already part of Idols West Africa which was also shot and produced in Nigeria.

26 year old Oneyka "Yeka Onka" Gilbert Elizabeth Onwuka from Ohafia was announced the first winner of the Nigerian Idol winner in 2010. She was awarded the sum of N7.5 Million a recording contract with Sony, a car and an all-expense paid trip to South Africa. Yeka Onka, in 2010, released a touching new video titled – “Help“. Yeka is signed on to Don Lulu's “2 Flame Entertainment.”

Thereafter, in 2012, another winner emerged as season 2 winner in person of Mercy Chinwo with a prize cash of N7.5m recording contract and a brand new SUV.

Season 3 saw various spectacular performances and show of skills as the competition continued to increase the heart beats of many as 22 year old Moses Obi-Adigwe aka Teddy Bear, emerged the winner of the show with the coveted prize of N7.5 million, a Sport Utility Vehicle and a music contract, equal to the sum of N7.5 million.

23-year-old Evelyn “Evelle” Zibili is the winner of season 4 of the Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idol competition, with a star prize of N7.5 million, a brand new SUV and a recording deal with Universal Studios.

What amazes the audience most is that after the whole promises by the sponsors of this shows, little or nothing is being heard of these winners. None of them have come out with a hit making song neither are they being seen at big gigs around the country.

Should the notion that they might have spent their money in paying off debts on those that voted for them during the competition come into manifestation? One would not wish to believe that. The audience are waiting to see how far these shows will continue.