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| Cross section of the contestants with the popular yoruba movie producer/ actor, Odunlade Adekola at the Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam audition in Ibadan. |
The sleepy and ancient city of Osogbo, the Osun State capitalcame alive as thousands of Fuji enthusiasts and upcoming artistes trooped to the White Plain Hotel, the venue for the Nigeria’ number one Fuji music talent hunt, Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam audition to battle for the Wura 1 crown of Fuji and a cash reward. Fuji lovers were not disappointed as they were treated to the best of the music from budding talents.
The audition, which was described by the judges and audience as a pace setter for other regions had past contestants like Ejire Performer, who made the final 5 last edition but could not win the coveted prize, and other talented Fuji artistes present to give moral support to the contestants. At the end of the thrilling and intense competition 13 contestants made it to the selection stage of the contest.
Speaking after the audition, one of the judges, Sikiru Agboola(aka SK Sensation), described the audition as keenly contested betweenbudding Fuji artistes with exceptional talent whoslugged it out before the panel of judges to win their votes. He applauded the Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam consumer engagement platform which“over past editions has created credibility and fairness for all contestants thus making it the first Fuji music talent hunt in the history of Fuji music in Nigeria.”
Agboola added that the show is a platform where the best talent would emerge as winner at the end of the thorough and exciting experience where each contestant will havean entire stage to showcase his or her talent. “We ensure that we create a level playing field for all contestants where we look at their singing abilities and their dexterity in performing and managing stage space, so far, we have not been disappointed with the level of the contestants this year.”
In his own comments, one of the contestants, Prince Adeyemo Jelili, who started his Fuji music career while he was in JSS 1, described his experience and feeling at the end of the audition as “the best of my career, this show has given me the platform to showcase my Fuji talent. This is a music genre that is very dear to my heart and I thank Goldberg for providing it. I promised to get better at every stage of the contest as it progresses and hopefully win the coveted prize and crown.”
It would be recalled that, Mr. KufreEkanem, the Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plchad explained during the kickoff of the competition that it will take place across key cities in South West Nigeria with notable Yoruba actors, like Sanyeri, KamiluKompo, Mr. Latin and OdunladeAdekola gracing the event from the quarter final to the grand finale stages.
In addition to Osogbo and Ota auditions, others will hold in Ibadan, and Akure. Identified talents from the auditions will later converge in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital for the final selection of 30 contestants that will proceed to the quarter final billed for Ota, Ogun State.
Ilesha in Osun State will host the semi-final. The grand finale which will hold in Ibadan is expected to be an exciting life changing experience for the finalists.
Mr. KufreEkanem noted that Fuji music enjoys huge followership, especially in the south Western partof Nigeria, which has led the brand to create the platform “to connect and engage target consumers.” The music genre, he pointed out, thus provides a credible platform for the brand to get closer to them and share their interest and culture.
Fuji T’o Bam is an indigenous music activation platform of Goldberg which has in the last two editions led to the discovery of budding Fuji talents.
