Adeniyi Onifade previews Reality TV shows
that will definitely excite Nigerians in 2022
Although Big Brother Naija seems to be the raving reality show that has a very wide audience, there are other reality shows that bring a variety of fun and entertainment to teeming fans. As such, from The Voice, Nigerian Idol and a host of others, Valuechain brings you the list of some interesting reality shows to look out for in 2022.
The Voice Nigeria
The Voice Nigeria is one of Nigeria’s most popular music reality shows. The show, which is an offshoot of the global music reality TV show, was created by Jon de Mol and takes its playbook from The Voice of Holland. It debuted in Nigeria in 2016. It was hosted by IK Osakioduwa in the first and second seasons. Ik also hosted it in 2021. Toke Makinwa was a co-host in its season three with Nancy Isime as the main host.
Top-tier Nigerian artistes have been judges on the show, including recurring stars Waje and Yemi Alade. 2Baba appeared in season one, Patoranking and Timi Dakolo in the first two seasons, with Darey and Falz joining the recurring judges for the third season. Although it kicked off in 2016, the show took a break after the second season in 2017 and returned for a third season in 2021. One of the contestants, Esther Benyeogo won the 2021 edition of The Voice Nigeria.
Nigerian Idol
This is another local franchise of a popular international music reality TV show. When the first edition of the show was hosted in October 2010, it was opened to all Nigerians between the ages of 18 – 28. It garnered fame and acceptance as it was aired across Africa with over 15 channels.
The first winner of the Nigerian Idol show was awarded the sum of N7.5 million, a recording contract with Sony, a car, and an all-expense-paid trip to South Africa. Nigeria Idol takes after the Idol franchise created by Simon Fuller. Tiwa Savage served as the main host at the initial period. Season six had Obi Asika, Seyi Shay, and DJ Sose as judges. Praiz and Cobhams Asuquo also featured sometimes as guest judges. Bayelsa born talented singer, Kingdom Kroseide, won the 2021 edition of Nigerian Idol.
MTN Project Fame/ Y’ello Star
MTN Y’ello Star reality TV show was created by telecoms giant, MTN, in its attempt to revive the popular West African reality TV Show, MTN Project Fame. The discontinuation of Project Fame left some fans heartbroken but the Y’ello Star tried to rekindle that fire.
The first season saw 16 contestants enjoying a Virtual Music Training Programme from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, as well as a creative entrepreneurship training programme certification by Henley Business School. Though the talents were raw and original even before they were discovered in the show, the training was aimed at refining and polishing these talents in the art and business of music.
Big Brother Naija
This is the biggest “masquerade” among all reality shows in Nigeria. Indeed, the list would be incomplete without it. Nigerians, both young and old, educated and uneducated, are passionate about the show.
The show featured over 23 contestants locked away in a mansion for 3 months in 2021. Enugu Born star, Hazel Onou, won the 2021 edition of Big Brother Naija.
However, many Nigerians are looking forward to the 2022 edition with a lot of expectations owing to the fact that Big Brother also spices up the show with a lot of innovations and transformations annually.
Nigeria’s Got Talent
Nigeria’s Got Talent is a Nigerian reality talent show which is part of the Got Talent franchise. It was launched in 2012. The uniqueness of this show is that the auditioning that takes place in front of the judges and a live audience in different cities takes over 70 percent of its duration.
As the contestants perform, each judge may show their disapproval by pressing a buzzer, which lights a red ‘X’ near above the stage. If all three buzzers are pressed, the act ends immediately. To advance to the next round, participants must receive “yes” from at least two judges, else the competition ends for them. The 2022 edition, according to the organizers, promises to be exciting, as a whole new style is set to be introduced.
The Ultimate Search
Gulder Ultimate Search (also called GUS) is a Nigerian reality television series, created and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc to promote its flagship Gulder brand. The first season premiered in 2004.
The GUS series is also the very first 100% local content reality television programme in Nigeria and it is a survival-centred reality programme that highlights the struggle of contestants against themselves and the forces of nature, as they search for a hidden treasure that brings instant fame and fortune to the last person standing.
The Ultimate prize for the last man standing in the Gulder Ultimate Search is always an attractive and alluring prize that includes a huge amount of cash and a brand-new car. Popular producers of the series include Olakunle Oyeneye and executive producer, Oluseyi Siwoku, of Jungle Filmworks, with the legendary baritone voice of Femi Sowoolu hovering like that of the GUS Big Brother.
GUS made a comeback last year after a seven-year- hiatus. Created and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, manufacturers of Gulder lager beer, GUS started in 2004 and enjoyed 11 seasons on the air. The show went on to become the most-watched reality TV series in Nigeria before it ceased airing. Odudu Otu won the latest edition of the show, which ended on December 26, 2021.
