NAIJA MUSIC RULES NIGERIAN IDOL

•2Face
Activities on the set of Nigerian Idol, proudly sponsored by Etisalat took a new dimension over the weekend with contestants in the musical reality show attempting to impress the judges and win the votes of viewers at home as they performed purely Nigerian music.

The weekend edition, which was unarguably one of the most exciting outings to date, saw the contestants thrilling to the delight of their teeming fans and judges. Contestants had the opportunity to showcase their singing prowess by performing Nigerian hit songs from both the old and new schools. In recent years, Nigerian songs had become increasingly popular among music lovers in Nigeria.

According to Etisalat Chief Commercial Officer Wael Ammar, 'Celebrating Nigerian music on Nigerian Idol is one of the ways to delight viewers and showcase the level of acceptance of Nigerian songs among the people. It is worth noting that Nigerian artistes have done quite incredible in maximizing their potential in the same manner Etisalat is giving voice to youths who yearn for the opportunity to showcase their talents through platforms like Nigerian Idol.'

The first ever Nigerian Idol powered by lead sponsor, Etisalat Nigeria, will walk home with a cash prize of 7.5 million Naira and a Sony BMG recording contract worth N5 million, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, a blackberry phone from Etisalat with one year subscription and a number of other mouthwatering gifts. The first runner up will go home with N1. 5 million and other gifts, while the second runner up will receive cash prize of N1 million.

Every one of the top ten finalists is also assured of very exciting prizes.

Nigerian Idol is broadcast on select television stations across the country on Thursdays and Sundays. The performance shows air on Sundays on NTA Network at 4pm, 7pm on AIT Network, 9pm on STV as well as on Galaxy TV, TVC and Superscreen, all in Lagos at various times also on Sunday evenings. Across Nigeria, the show airs at different times on various stations. Nigerian Idol will run till March 2011, when the first ever winner will emerge.