D’banj and Simi will be joining veteran
music label executive, Obi Asika as judges, while popular radio and TV
personality, IK Osakioduwa, will be returning as the show’s host for this
season.
Leading Entertainment Company and
organizers of the reality TV singing competition, MultiChoice Nigeria, made the
announcement today January 18, 2022, as the countdown to the show’s premiere in
February 2022 begins.
Speaking on the introduction of new judges
for the new season, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels at
MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola said: “We could not think of a better
trio to be the season’s judges than Obi Asika, D’banj and Simi.”
“The three of them combined bring decades
worth of experience in the music and entertainment business, as well as
individual mastery of their crafts. We have no doubt that they will keep the
viewers entertained in what will be a spectacular season!”
D’banj expressed his excitement at being
one of the judges this season saying, “I was out of the country when I found
out that I was going to be a judge for this season of Nigerian Idol and I
couldn’t contain my excitement. I’m coming in with my own strategy, so viewers
should expect a bang.”
On her part, Simi said, “I’ve always loved
the idea of being a judge and I think it’s a fun thing to do. I plan to be very
honest and have fun and hopefully gain inspiration from those that come on the
show.”
Returning judge Obi Asika added, “I will be
looking for special talents and new faces this year. I’m also excited to work
with the rest of the judges this season, and I will be very fair and real to
every contestant just like I was last year.”
The Idol franchise has over the years
produced some of the most prominent musicians in Nigeria such as Kingdom
Kroseide, Timi Dakolo, Mercy Chinwo, and Omawumi, who have gone ahead to make a
name for themselves in the global music scene.
Sponsored by leading soft drink brand,
Bigi, Season 7 is set to unearth the next big thing in the African music scene.