This year’s Goldberg’s Lager Beer Ariya Omoluabi has reached heights of suspense and excitement, as contestants raise the bar with exceptional performances, taking the talent hunt show to new heights.
The Ariya Omoluabi Show burst onto the scene from the first episode with electrifying energy as Kunle Remi stepped up as the charismatic host, taking viewers on a whirlwind tour through the cities of Abeokuta, Akure, Ibadan, and Lagos for the auditions.
In Abeokuta, the judges, namely, Samuel Adeneye, Adegboyega Olaniyi, and Sina Alabi, scoured for creativity, originality, and lyrical prowess among the contestants, who delivered a diverse range of musical genres, from Juju to Apala, Fuji, and Yoruba hip-hop. Two exceptional talents clinched spots in the next stage.
Ariya Omoluabi show
The Ibadan auditions featured judges Peter Eneh, Joy Tobiloba, and Morgan David, seeking talent, confidence, and creativity. The contestants dazzled with traditional attire, talking drums, and musical prowess, with three securing spots for the next round, including two formidable female talents.
This episode underscored the significance of Yoruba music, fuji, and juju in today’s music industry, celebrating culture’s role.
Kunle Remi, embodying the Omoluabi spirit, took us to Akure and Lagos for the final auditions before the live performances.
In Akure, Adeola Omitunsin, Mike Obafemi, and Olamide Olumide looked for originality and Omoluabi values. This leg featured prominent Fuji and Juju performers, with just three advancing.
Ariya Omoluabi show
Lagos auditions, under the discerning eyes of Claire Onyeka and Mayowa Daramola, prioritized culture, lyrical prowess, and stage presence. Three contestants, covering various genres from Yoruba hip-hop to Juju and Fuji, moved on to the live performances.
The live shows kicked off with judges ID Cabasa, Reminisce, and Waje, seeking musicality, passion, originality, and the Omoluabi spirit. The first episode determined who’d enter the Goldberg Academy and who’d continue honing their craft.
Guest artists Alhaji Seftu Alao and Lyta brought the stage to life. CDQ and Taye delivered an exciting fusion performance.
The eleven contestants selected from the audition performed individually in both episodes three and four. A Wildcard was introduced in episode four to bring the number of contestants to twelve.
In episode five, the bottom four were evicted from the show. The remaining eight contestants put their spin on existing songs, and scored on vocalization, creativity, and performance, guided by ID Cabasa.
The bottom three—Tosin Frosh, Yemi Chanter, and Dhee P the Dragon—awaited viewer votes to secure their place in the competition as they are up for eviction in episode five.
The grand prize award for the show is worth N50 million, including a recording deal. The contestants look forward to growing their craft, helping their communities, and providing for their families if chosen as winners of the show.
To find out what these contestants are made of, tune in to watch the Ariya Omoluabi Music Competition weekly on Sundays by 8 p.m., airing on Soundcity TV & ONTV, and a replay on Wednesday by 5:30PM on Africa Magic Yoruba.