Globacom Dumps “Naija Sings”, Jumps In Bed with “X-Factor”

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Telecoms giant Globacom has cancelled its sponsorship of the music reality show ‘Naija Sings’, and quickly switching over to the most anticipated reality show in Nigeria at the moment “X-Factor”.

Globacom was the official title sponsor of all three previous editions of Glo Naija Sings which saw winners emerge with very tempting prizes and enough money to kick-start a real music career.

Globacom signed a three-year contract with broadcast company, M-NET headed by Biola Alabi with production management handled by “Never machine Entertainment”.

When the show was launched, Globacom’s goal was discovering, developing and rewarding Nigeria’s brightest and boldest musical talents’, but it seems Globacom has been overall disappointed  by the progress made after each contestant was crowned winner.

Globacom is generally known to support entertainment programmes of all sorts, both in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. shows sponsored by Glo include; the annual Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode and the Ofala festival in Onitsha; CNN International’s weekly half-hour magazine programme, ‘African Voices’; the Glo-CAF Awards, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Ghana’s Black Stars,Nigerian Football League, Glo International Half Marathon and a whole lot of other events and shows.

Two weeks ago when “X Factor” was unveiled and Glo announced as its official sponsor, it became very clear Glo wouldn’t be backing  the reality show “Naija Sings” any longer.

No official comments has  been made by Globacom management yet.

A source revealed that Globacom’s response was: ‘We had a three-year contract with the M-NET, and it’s just normal for the parties to either renew the contract or not. It is purely business and it doesn’t have anything to do with how the show has fared’.

However, another logical reason the contract wasn’t renewed would be due the very poor ratings. Despite the huge budget and support of the telecoms company, and the involvement of big entertainment names like Denrele, Darey, Olisa Adibua and others, the show repeatedly recorded low viewership and follower-ship as compare to other shows like the Project Fame and Nigerian Idol.

OAP Olisa Adibua, who participated in all three editions of the show as a host and later as a judge also claims that he has no information. ‘It’s been over a year now and I have no knowledge of the whereabouts of each of the winners. I suppose they are out there still trying to break even in the industry just like every other up-coming artiste.’

Critics would also ask “where are the show’s finalists and winners”. The show’s first edition was held in 2009 with John Ogah (Jon O) emerging its first winner, he took away a prize money of $100, 000 and brand new SUV. Our sources tell us that Ogah has since moved abroad using his prize money to pursue an education in the US.

Season two winner, Casey Edema (Casey Ed)  after emerging winner, released a few singles and an album under the record label of Storm 360, he disappeared after that and it was the end of his career that never started. When Casey was interviewed, this is what he had to say:

‘Glo and I still have a working relationship but purely professional, that’s all I can say for now. Concerning what I have been up to, I have been trying to put my music in order for a re-launch because I’m working with an entirely new team right now and hopefully soon, we would unveil the new package ’ .

The final winner of the show was 36-year old Christian Doherty (A.K.A CeeDee). He took away the normal prize money and was even awarded an ambassadorial position by the telecoms company, but after the release of two singles, ‘Dem Go Know Me’ and ‘Sumomi Dada’, he also fizzled out.

Former host of the show, Darey Art Alade was also interviewed and he had this to say, ‘I was just a host on the show. I cannot exactly speak on the impact that the show has had or the why it’s been difficult for the winners to find a feet in the music industry. The music industry in Nigeria is a very complex one and it’s very difficult to break through except with hardwork and dedication.’

Compared to the other shows, Glo Naija Sings winners have not been successful, another major reason why Globacom might want to switch over to the globally recognized show “X-Factor”.

Reality show “Project Fame” has two winners doing incredibly well: Iyanya and Chidinma, as well as one time finalist, Praiz.

Idols winners, Omawumi and Timi Dakolo are also big superstars now.

How well will “X-Factor” go, do we expect to see ground-breaking talents emerge from this show???

Watch this page and stay updated!!!

 

 

1 COMMENT

  1. I have tried Glo 9ja sings too,but it has not be anything to write home about (Why?) Is because today D judges see D real telant & then leave them out cos they already have some1 in mind,I have tried other telant show too, same I just wonder why u must know some1 at D top b4 we too can get there,pls I will like u guys to update me on the X-factor. Cause I know I have what it takes to be a LEGEND,we are not as rich Davido in our family but please will be waiting to hear from U guys