Audition: Prospective contestants in ‘The Voice Nigeria’ converged on Abuja

Some prospective contestants of The Voice Nigeria, a musical reality talent show on Tuesday converged on Abuja for the open audition for the second season of the show.

Our correspondent reports that the Bolingo Hotel, in the Central Business District, venue of the event was full of activities as scores of young contestants troop in to give their best shots.

Some of the contestants who spoke to NAN said they would give their very best to be selected for the next round of the audition.

Austin Tombupre, said he was participating for the second time and expressed optimism that he would qualify for the next round.

“I saw the advert on Africa Magic and decided to come again to try. I would love to open a studio if I win and pursue my music fully’’, he said.

Another contestant, Christiana Agba stated that she has been singing since she was ten and is currently studying music at the University of Port Harcourt.

Agba who is also into fashion designing said, “ It will be awesome to make it to the blind auditions, I would use the money to help the less privileged if I win.’’

Also, Judah Wilson, a dance instructor told our correspondent that it is his first time auditioning and he does not know what to expect adding that it will be awesome to make it to the blind auditions.

A graduate of Economics, Betsy Oloyede said, “I have looked forward to auditioning for the voice and really want to make it to the blind auditions because that is where the main competition is.’’

Emene Ibong on her part said she expects the auditions to be challenging.

Ibong, who is an IT graduate, stated that she has been singing for about seven years and has always looked forward to pursuing music.

Earlier, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Director, M-Net West Africa, organisers of the show said: “We are thrilled to announce the second season of The Voice Nigeria.

She explained that the first season of the show in 2016 proved to be hugely successful and popular with audiences not only in Nigeria but all over the continent.

“And our viewers should expect stellar performances by the artistes and all the familiar intrigue and excitement as the coaches jostle to pick the best performers.”

Our correspondent reports that the winner from the 17 episode show this year would earn a recording contract with Universal Music Group, an SUV car worth N7 million and a trip to Abu Dhabi.

Since its original launch in 2010, The Voice has gone on to win audiences in countries like the US, Australia and the UK, where renowned artistes have occupied the show’s famous red chairs as coaches.

The Voice Nigeria employs the same format including a panel of four coaches who critique the contestants’ performances.

The show starts airing from the blind auditions where contestants who scale through the open auditions are given 90 seconds to perform with a band with the chairs of judges turned the opposite way.

Last year’s judges included Waje (Aituaje Iruobe), Timi Dakolo, Patoranking (Patrick Okorie) and 2baba (Innocent) Idibia who headed teams of twelve talents each with IK Osakioduwa and Stephanie Coker hosting the show.

At that season, A’rese of #TeamWaje emerged victorious after seeing off from the competition some of Nigeria’s most exciting talents.