Nigerian Idols return amidst criticism

Nigerian Idol first winner Yeka Onka when she was declared winner

Etisalat-sponsored music reality show, Nigerian Idol has returned once again. With audition having held in Port-Harcourt and the crew set to hit Ibadan and Lagos, contestants are gearing up for the fifth Season of the competition.

However, Nigerian Idol Season 5 returns amid criticism from its followers. One of the major criticisms which the show has witnessed remains its inability to produce a star several years after it made its debut.

From Yeka Onka who won the show in 2010 to Evelyn “Evelle” Zibili who was the winner of the 2014 season the story has been the same, as products of Nigerian Idol have simply failed to takeoff.

As winner of the competition, Yeka Onka went away with about N7.5 million, a recording contract with Sony, a car and an all-expense paid trip to South Africa. In 2010, she released a video titled Help and later signed onto Don Lulu‘s ‘2 Flame Entertainment and it all ended there.

Today, it is a shame that after making her debut Yeka Onka’s only famed achievement has been her making the list of the shows judges.

Musically, Yeka Onka has failed totally. Though this fact is known to all involved in the show Yeka Onka still gets to criticize and advice budding talent in the competition leaving many asking what she has to offer.

Other winners who have won the show, but have failed to launch a successful career includes Mercy Chinwo and Moses Obi Adigew.