Connect with us

Entertainment

Iyanya Reveals He Almost Joined Nigerian Idol Season One, Recalls Omawumi Link

Published

on

Iyanya Nigerian Idol audition

Afrobeats star Iyanya disclosed he was selected for Nigerian Idol’s first season from Calabar auditions alongside Omawumi but missed out due to final year exams, before winning Project Fame West Africa a year late

Afrobeats sensation Iyanya has publicly revealed a surprising detail from his early career: he was selected for the inaugural season of Nigerian Idol after participating in an audition held in Calabar, Cross River State.

Also read: I didn’t know I was in Yvonne Nelson’s book – Iyanya

The singer explained that he and Omawumi, who would go on to achieve significant fame as the first runner up in that maiden edition in 2007, were the only two contestants chosen from the Calabar audition.

Iyanya Nigerian Idol auditionstory, however, took an unexpected turn.

He clarified that he ultimately could not participate in the finals of the reality show due to a crucial scheduling conflict  it coincided directly with his final year examinations at university.

Advertisement

This meant missing an early opportunity on the platform that would later feature his contemporary.

Omawumi and I were the only ones picked at the Calabar Nigerian Idol auditions. I couldn’t make it. I had my final year exam. A year later, I won Project Fame. Today, we’re both judges on Nigerian Idol.

Despite this missed chance, fate had other plans for Iyanya.

He shared that just a year later, he went on to win the first edition of Project Fame West Africa, a victory that significantly propelled his career.

Iyanya recounted these details in a recent interview with Hip TV, while visibly relishing his current role as a co judge on the ongoing season of Nigerian Idol, sharing the panel with none other than Omawumi.

This full circle moment highlights a unique bond and parallel journey for the two artists.

Advertisement

“Omawumi and I were the only ones picked at the Calabar Nigerian Idol auditions. I couldn’t make it. I had my final year exam. A year later, I won Project Fame.

Also read: Kizz Daniel shares emotional bond with late father in new tribute track

Today, we’re both judges on Nigerian Idol,” Iyanya stated, reflecting on his remarkable trajectory in the Nigerian music industry.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Lizzy Anjorin Questions Court Order Over Priscilla Ojo’s Son

Published

on

Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has questioned the authenticity of an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court on 2 September 2026, restraining her from publishing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala, and from posting editorials concerning the family on specified social media platforms.

Anjorin raised the issue during an Instagram Live session on Friday, 4 September, after Priscilla shared a copy of the court order online.

The actress argued that publicising court documents before formally serving the respondent undermines the case.

“Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case,” Anjorin said during the live session.

Advertisement

Her comments came shortly after the High Court of Lagos State granted an ex parte application brought by Priscilla, her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son, Rakeem.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026.

The order restrains Anjorin, as well as people acting under her authority, from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of Rakeem on specified social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.

The court also directed Anjorin to cease publishing or broadcasting editorials concerning the applicants on the platforms covered by the order.

An ex parte order is made at an interim stage without the respondent being heard. The order is therefore not a final determination of the dispute and remains subject to further proceedings.

Advertisement

Priscilla shared the certified copy of the order on her Instagram Story on Friday, bringing the legal development into public view.

Anjorin’s reaction centres on the timing and manner in which the court documents were publicised. Her assertion that such publication makes a case “fake” is her own claim and is not a finding contained in the court order.

The development marks another chapter in the prolonged public dispute between Anjorin and Priscilla’s family, particularly Priscilla’s mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

The disagreement has played out largely on social media and has previously resulted in legal action, including a ₦1 billion defamation suit filed by Iyabo Ojo against Anjorin.

In recent weeks, the dispute has also drawn Priscilla and her young son into the controversy, following public comments by Anjorin concerning the family.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Entertainment

BBNaija Kess Says Big Brother Makes Life Harder

Published

on

Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.

“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.

The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.

Advertisement

Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.

His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.

Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.

However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Celebrity news

Damilola Oni Suffers Backlash at Mama Deola Movie Premiere

Published

on

Damilola Oni

Nigerian actress Damilola Oni has come under heavy fire across social media over her controversial outfit at the star-studded Mama Deola movie premiere (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending