Brandy, Joe, D’Banj, Ignite MTN Project Fame Opening Concert!

Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and actress, Brandy Norwood , popular American R&B singer, Joe and Nigerian multi-talented pop-star, D’banj were the centre of attraction at the MTN Project Fame West Africa season 4 opening gala held last Sunday, 2nd of October at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

The presence of the trio lit up the atmosphere at the event which marks the commencement of the fourth season of Africa’s most popular reality TV show, with exhilarating performances to the delight of a cheering crowd of over 5000 music lovers.

Port Harcourt Audition

And the crowd crowded in on PF in PH to be crowned. Some croaked, some cracked and there were those who crooned. But who will be crowned?

Benin Audition

Hexagon Hotels, Benin went agog with excitement and fun on Saturday August 13 as tons of ‘Hopefuls’ converged for the auditions. There were those contestants who wowed the judges and there were those who didn’t quite meet the mark!

All the same it was fun galore and a sweet display of talents which affirms the fact that Naija is awash with talent.

If you haven’t auditioned, Be prepared as Project Fame comes to your area. Did you ever get a NO from the judges? Don’t ever give up. Success comes not to one who quits at the first fall, but to that person who refires and keeps trying till he succeeds.

Ibadan Audition

The auditions in Ibadan was fantastic and a huge success. A lot of beautiful performances and of course hilarious ones too.

Despite the heavy rain, the people came out en-mass to show their talents. While some got a 'YES', some others were encouraged to try again next season.

Bet you are very eager to catch up with the thrills of this very first auditions in season 4, just keep tabs with your favourite TV Stations as the train travels round West African cities in search of the next music superstar.

Kaduna Audition

Folks from the north were not left out at all. God obviously evenly distributed talents at creation. Gamji Hall, Kaduna was abuzz with excitement as some hopefuls thrilled the crowd to a state of frenzy.

Are we going to find another star like ‘Tolu’ of PF 3 from Kaduna this season? The stakes are very high because Kaduna peeps have stepped up their game. Many of them dazzled the Judges with their performances and we are tempted to ask, are you sure the winner this season will not  emerge from Kaduna

Abuja Audition

National Women Development Center, Garki had an influx of hundreds of ‘wanna bes’ last weekend (Sept 3rd). These hopefuls were all in their best elements in a bid to give stardom a chance.

Very early in the morning, the gate of the venue was opened to as many as would want to give fame a chance. With tangible excitement, ‘state-of-the art’ swag, crooner’s voice, participants in and around Abuja trooped out en-mass to the venue to show what they’ve got.

The joy in the hearts of some folks knew no bounds as they got a yes from the judges while some others gallantly accepted their ‘try next season’ verdict.

MTN Project Fame storms Uyo

Residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, could not conceal their joy as organisers of the MTN Project Fame crew went searching for talented singers, who will be part of the upcoming season 4 academy in Lagos. The audition was also held in Monrovia, the Liberian capital simultaneously.

They expressed their happiness and showered praises on the sponsor of the music reality TV show for bringing the audition to their zone for the first time since it started four years ago.

Meet The Faculty 5: Uncle Ben

A pitch perfect vocal expert, music coordinator (both spiritual & secular), vocal arranger, voice-over artiste and “KING OF MEAN” of the Project Fame Academy. As a choir boy in the Catholic Church, an opportunity to audition for the STEVE RHODES VOICES opened up for him. The late Elder Steve Rhodes took him through the rigours of professional vocal training in the contemporary and jazz genres and he has since not looked back in this rich field of commercial and personal choice of career. In order not to lose track of these genres, he joined the LAZ EKWUEME CHORALE to fortify his stand in the industry. 

Meet The Faculty 4: Joke Silva

Joke has had a successful career as an actress on stage, film, television and radio primarily in Nigeria with stints in England (BBC, British Film Institute, Royal Court Theatre Sloan sq) and the South of France. An actor of International repute, she was in Canada in 2008 where she participated in the African Theatre Ensemble (ATE) Black History month production “Have you seen Zandile” written by Gcina Mhlophe. “The discovery for Canadian audiences, though, is well-known Nigerian film actor Joke Silva, who plays three roles, including mother and grandmother. Investing each role with finely etched physical and emotional detail, she’s almost unrecognizable from one to the next. The show is worth seeing for Silva’s work alone” John Kaplan of Now Magazine Toronto. Joke has written and directed to critical acclaim: Digging for Gold, Jonah, The Drummer Boy and Footprints. She is an alumnus of Holy Child College, Obalende, Weber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, London, University of Lagos Akoka and Fate Foundation, Ijora. A member of the National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN), Conference of Motion Pictures Practitioners (CMPP), and Film Makers Cooperatives, Association of Licensed Distributors and Actors Guild of Nigeria. 

Meet The Faculty 3: Kayode Ogundepo

Kayode Emmanuel Ogundepo, an Exercise Physiology graduate of the Lagos state University has over 25 years experience in the fitness industry. He has worked for several commercial gyms in Lagos metropolis such as Weight Watchers Gym and Spa and La Campagne Tropicana. He was also the personal trainer to the former Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his wife, the First Lady. Kayode was once the National Heavyweight Karate Champion of Nigeria, and has represented Lagos State in the Cruiser Weight Category and Amateur Boxing Contests. He has also held a bronze medal in Judo at NUGA. Kayode was the physiotherapist for the former MTN Corporate Marathon. He is a personal fitness trainer and lifestyle advisor to many renowned business directors and celebrities in Lagos. Kayode is currently the Managing Director of Body Shapers Fitness Services.

Meet The Faculty 2: Ige

Dupe Ige Kachi, who is popularly called IGE (pronounced ee-gay), has been singing since she was seven years old. Born into a family of music lovers, she has always appreciated all forms of music from classical to jazz and R&B. she honed her art in the several singing groups and choirs of the various churches that she attended as the child of a clergyman which include Laz Ekwueme Chorale, Steve Rhodes Voices, Chosen Treasure Choir (HOTR), Covenant Christian Centre Choir, MUSON, and several Anglican Church choirs. Even though she studied electrical/electronics engineering at the University if Lagos, the arts have been a part of her everyday life. 

Meet The Faculty 1: Kaffy

Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau better known as ‘Kaffy’ is a Nigerian youth from the city of Lagos who has a great passion for setting a goal and seeing it through. And this has led her to be one of the most influential youth of the country. Her drive towards success despite great setbacks in her life contributed immensely in various activities she has been involved in Her passion for dance is inborn. Her urge for being different has revolutionalized dance since she started professionally in 2002 within the span of 3months and today she stands as a role model for a lot of youth not just in dance but for what her personality represents which are determination, dedication and commitment in what one endeavours as long as it has a positive impact to the society we live in. 

Meet The Judges 4: Kwame

Kwame CEO VIRTUAL MEDIA NETWORK(OWNERS OF NIGEZIE AND TEN) Seasoned broadcaster, Kwame started off with Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation(OGBC). He moved on to Star Fm where he held down both morning and drive time belts. He also won numerous accolades which included Presenter Of the Year. He started his own TV programme called Global Sounds which was syndicated across Nigeria. In 2007, he started Nigezie which runs on the HITV platform both in Nigeria and in the UK on Sky channel 204. Presently, he is working on expanding the channel to major markets across the world. His hobbies include reading,studying industry trends and watching TV.

Meet The Judges 3: Nomoreloss

OLUMUYIWA OSINUGA aka NOMORELOSS was born in Lagos Western Nigeria in the 70's. Nomoreloss is a multitalented entertainer - a singer/songwriter, producer and artistes' manager whose debut album in 1999 Kilode. was a national hit which stayed on the countdown and billboards across Nigeria for a record of eight {8} months and was number one for 26 weeks. He started out in the world of entertainment as a rapper while in high school and later on switched to master of ceremony at various events. An accomplished stand -up comedian, mc , musical video director as well as a television host.

 

He is also a producer of both music and television programs. He has directed musical videos for such artists like LEXY DOO, JAGUNLABI, JAH BORNE, CIMION, the gospel sensation FOLAKE UMOSEN and was project coordinator and producer for the video cd for the controversial rapper RUGGED MAN’S THY KINGDOM COME ALBUM.

Meet The Judges 2: Tee-Y Mix

The mention of the name Tee-Y Mix in Nigerian music circles would evoke feelings anytime anyday, feelings of nostalgia and ecstasy. Having exhibited his talent in albums of musicians such as Dare Art Alade, Naeto C and Sasha to mention just a few, he has established himself as a force to reckon with in the Nigerian music industry. When asked why he got involved with Project Fame, he was quick to point out that he was in it because he believed in the talents that abound in West Africa and wanted to be involved in honing these talents and turning them into superstars. To all the ladies, this fine young man is still single, and on the lookout. He wants the contestants to work hard and seize the opportunity to become stars.

Meet The Judges 1: Bibie Brew

Bibie Brew, Ghanaian award winning International recording artiste who has flown Africa’s flag way beyond the shores of the continent. Bibie is an International star performer, known through her Hit 'Tout doucement' that topped the French charts in the 1980’s. She has recorded and released 5 major albums and 42 singles in France and the whole of Europe. In her spare time she uses her talent to teach local aspiring musicians in Accra and Paris, helping them to achieve recognition. Bibie has been a Judge on the MTN sponsored “Project Fame West Africa” in Nigeria for three years running. Bibie is currently an Honorary General Secretary of Musicians Association of Ghana, she runs an Arts Café in Accra Called “The New Morning” where she gives young people the opportunity to showcase their talents in arts to high profiled patrons from Embassies and Foreign Missions across Ghana and other notable individuals and groups.

Meet The Hosts 2: Adora Oleh

Adora Oleh is definitely no stranger to TV screens across the globe. Having worked as a presenter on Channel 4 and MTV in the UK as well as European and African television stations, her popularity continues to increase. Born and raised in Surrey England, she is the eldest of three children. Adora graduated into show business via the catwalk when she modelled for Channel 4’s ‘The Big Breakfast’ one of the UK’s most popular breakfast shows. 

Her sparkling personality and sense of humour made her a resident model on the fashion segment and she appeared on the live show for two and half years. Although she acquired an earlier taste for the bright lights when she entered the Miss London Beauty Pageant; she used the opportunity to raise money for the Marie Curie Cancer Trust and was awarded fundraiser of the year. Adora came fourth in the competition, which in turn opened major doors for her in the modelling world. 

Meet The Hosts 1: Joseph Benjamin

Ben Tall dark and handsome Joseph Benjamin, a Lagos born actor and TV presenter hails from Kogi State. Joseph’s acting debut was a role in Tales by Moonlight. He was then cast in “Crossroads” in 1995. He has also featured in Zeb Ejiro’s “Deadly Mission”, “Bachelors”, “Young Single and Free”, “Super Story 168”, “Edge of Paradise” and “Tinsel” Joseph has also worked with several major brands both for local and international campaigns. He aspires to be one of Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry icons.