Femi Kuti Joins Nigerian Idol As A Judge

After an amazing second season that saw the crowning of Mercy Chinwo as the current Nigerian Idol, the global music phenomenon returns for a third season and steps it up with Afrobeat Legend Femi Kuti as judge.

“It’s a whole new package and cycle this season,” said Tiwa Medubi, the Project Manager. “We keep bringing in new twists and turns to make the show more interesting, two brand new cities made the audition train and most exciting is our own living legend, three-time Grammy nominee and Afrobeat king; Femi Kuti as one of our  judges.”

Femi Kuti who is known to be very conservative, TV shy and rarely leaves the Shrine save for few select performances in Nigeria and world tours, it’s a remarkable testament to the power of the Nigerian Idol brand for him to join the panel of judges.

One of Africa’s biggest recording artistes, Femi Kuti brings to the show wealth of experience that spans well over three decades of performing across the world, plays 6 musical instruments, and has received several international awards. He has collaborated with musicians, including Common, Mos Def, Jaguar Wright, D'Angelo, Macy Gray, The Soultronics, Nile Rodgers, amongst others.  Femi Kuti's voice is featured in the videogame Grand Theft Auto IV, where he is the host of radio station IF 99.
“I am honoured to be part of Nigerian Idol, a show that discovers talents across the country in music. Saying I love music is like saying snow is white. I am beyond passionate about music which is why I single handedly thought myself to play four instruments. I play the Sax twelve hours in a day training myself to get better. So an opportunity to be able to impart on the lives of the future of Nigerian music is one I will never say no to,” says Femi Kuti. "I was very proud when I watched Mercy Chinwo the last winner give a remarkable performance of Felas Zombie when I was a guest judge on the show last season. Many times you see people murder the songs or over act with the moves and make the man look like a caricature but she got it just right with guidance from the coach and judges. I'd like to be part of moulding many more talents with Nigerian Idol, this year.”

Three-time Grammy Award nominee, Femi Kuti, is truly a big step upwards for the Idol franchise in Nigeria.
“Femi’s input in this season hopefully will definitely take the show to new frontiers, we are excited!” said Medubi.

Auditions for Nigerian Idol continues from the 20th of October. If you live in Aba, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, join us in Port Harcourt on the 20th of October. If you are in Anambra, Enugu, Abia and other neighboring states, would meet the audition train in Owerri on the 27th of October. If you live in Delta, Ife, Ilorin, and other neighboring states, then join us in Benin on the 3rd of November. If you have missed all of these auditions get  your bags, get on the road to Lagos for the last ticket to being the  next Nigerian Idol at the Bamako Studios on the 9th and 10th of November.

This season’s prize is valued at $100,000 and the elements are thus; N7.5 million cash, a recording contract worth N7.5million and an SUV.