The Voice Nigeria plans to make an explosive comeback after a three-year pause. The Nigerian adaptation of the most popular singing contest on the international scene, The Voice, the show took off in April 2016 with resounding applause from fans across the continent. After two successful seasons and two winners of wide acclaim, its organizers’ have bid their time to make an even more impactful return. With support from executive producers Un1ty Limited & Livespot360s, the stage is set yet again for Nigeria’s winning singing talent show.
At its debut back in 2016, the show boasted judges that were frontrunners in the Nigerian music game. Following the set precedent from the parent show, Waje, Patoranking, Timi Dakolo, and 2Baba served as coaches to the initial 32 contenders. At the usual Live Shows, the contestants battled in vocal performances to secure their spots in the three-month duration of the first season. Leading the pack of Chike, Cornel, and Brenda in succession,Agharese Emokpae also known as A’rese emerged winner of the first season. A popular favorite, the delightful Nigerian American actress and singer remains in the limelight as one of the budding stars on our screens.
Hosts IK Osakioduwa and Stephanie Coker made a reappearance in June 2017 to launch another series of episodes with an interesting twist; African sensation Yemi Alade in place of industry veteran 2Baba. The very impressive team delivered yet another riveting show with the talented Idyl taking the title after a grueling contest for the top position. Coming at the heels of his controversial win were Ebube of Team Patoranking and Syemca of Team Yemi Alade in second and third places respectively. The highly sensational yet critical four-month season also brought fame to the seven other finalists consisting Ebube, Syemca, Wow, Chris Rio, J’Dess, Jahtel, and Yimika. Idyl has since gone on to reaffirm his arrival into the industry with well-received tracks like Better Love, Owami, Satisfy Me, Iyoro, and ‘Beautiful woman’. The ensuing feedback from a contentious audience put things on hold in the following year, allowing the much-needed space to reevaluate the running of the show to meet its pre-stated standards.
Following the raving success of the widely popular Big Brother Naija, The Voice Nigeria is poised to deliver premium on-screen variety with the just-announced arrival of its third season. The current global situation has allowed for more creativity with arresting the attention of viewers with virtual engagements. Thoroughly revamped, the new season sees the swapping of previous judges Timi and Patoranking with first-timers Darey and Falz. Alongside the remaining duo of Waje and Yemi Alade, the season’s coaches seem to represent a very formidable team in delivering the first all-Nigerian produced iteration of the show. The gorgeous pair of TV personality and online sensations, Toke Makinwa and Nancy Isime are the hosts of the show, altogether ready to deliver a screen worthy series of episodes.
Auditions for the new season have been announced to a well-receiving audience. FirstBank Nigeria and Premier Lotto have also been enlisted as supporting sponsors. The selection is open to individuals between ages 18 & 50 who have a First Bank account. To enter, talents are expected to record a one-minute video singing without a soundtrack, upload, and fill out the Voice application form on the website.
Fingers are crossed for what promises to be an even more entertaining season in the search for Nigeria’s next best songster.