Winners, judges bemoan under-performance of reality show winners

contestants at a reality show

It would be injustice to say that singing reality shows in Nigeria have failed. Entertainers like Timi Dakolo, Omawummi, Yemi Alade, Inyanya, Chidinma, Praize all participated in these reality shows and aside Praize and Omawummi on this list, the others actually won the competition in their set seasons and are now among today's leading entertainers.

However, critics have described this feat as "many donkey years ago" (Chidinma being the last winner in 2010) that's about five years back.

The discussion has put the more recent winners in the spotlight.

Why have they been unable to nail it to stardom? Why have their songs failed to hook the audience?

Our correspondent spoke to a cross section of past winners and judges and below is their comment;

Dede Mabioku (show judge)

"The winners have really disappointed fans. When they were on the show, fans saw potentials in them and voted for them to win but as soon as they leave the show. They loose that fire. They drop songs that do not connect to the audience. What do you expect fans to do?"

Monica Ogah (Show winner)

"The pressure on reality show winners is too much. Fans expect so much from us and it's not easy. They forget that it takes money to make money. The money we won can't last us forever so we try to just make do with what we have"

Yinka Davies (Show judge)

"I am really disappointed in the choice of music these days. But it is a phase that will pass and soon, Nigerians will come to appreciate genuine music coming from these talented winners."

Timi Dakolo (Show winner)

"I think reality show winners have failed to utilise the opportunity given them when they won the show. They fail to seize the power of that publicity and quickly establish themselves in the industry. They wait for the buzz to blow over before they start dropping songs. Most times it’s just too late by then"

K Peace (Show winner)

"I think many show winners don't really have the passion to do music professionally. They use their prize money to go into other businesses. Music is far from their minds now."

These reactions underline the truth. The discussions further spell that this is not healthy for talent hunt shows in the country, if winners continue to underperform.

We can only pray and wait for that one messiah who will come and break this 'jinx' once and for all.