Nigeria is blessed with so many talents. We see them in every industry including music, movie, fashion, business, education, and the rest. While we already have many talents at the top, there are so many hidden talents yet to be discovered.
Thanks to reality and talent discovery shows, new talents are introduced to Nigerians every year. Many Nigerians who believe they have what it takes constantly search for reality and talent discovery shows in Nigeria which they can compete in. If you’re one of them, search no more. Here are the top 5 reality and talent discovery shows in Nigeria;
1. Big Brother Naija
Currently, Big Brother Naija (BBN) is the largest reality TV show in Nigeria. The show produces more celebrities than any other show or TV competition in Nigeria. In the past few years, it has unveiled some of Nigeria’s current biggest celebrities. Big Brother Naija is based on the global Big Brother franchise.
Several housemates are isolated in the Big Brother house where they stay for a number of weeks. Isolated means they’re ignorant of what’s happening outside the house. They don’t watch TV, listen to radio, and are not allowed to use their mobile phones. They can only interact with themselves and with “Biggie”.
Each week, at least 2 housemates are nominated for eviction. They are put up for voting and their fans outside vote to keep them in the house. The housemate(s) with the lowest vote after voting closes for the week is evicted. At the end of the show, the last housemate standing is the winner.
He or she wins a cash prize amongst other material prices. Tacha, Laycon, Mercy Lambo, KiddWaya, Nengi, and Ozo are some celebrities from the show.
2. Nigerian Idol
At number 2 we have Nigerian Idol. Nigerian idol is a singing competition just like other idol franchises in other countries. The show has run for up to 6 seasons. Renowned Nigerian gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, won the second edition of the competition.
To compete in the Nigerian Idol, you have to first go for an audition. At the audition, you’re expected to showcase your voice and singing talents whilst free styling. If you impress the judges, you get a ticket for the next round. This cycle goes on until the Top 10 contestants emerge.
Notably, the judges are professionals in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Some judges that have appeared on Nigerian Idol include Tiwa Savage, Charly Boy, Femi Kuti, and Seyi Shay. As a top 10 contestant, your fate is no longer in the hands of the judges but instead in the hands of viewers at home.
3. The Voice Nigeria
The Voice Nigeria is another singing reality show in Nigeria. It was started in 2016 and is notable for its presenters and judges. Some of Nigeria’s music heavyweights have appeared as judges in the Voice Nigeria. This includes 2Baba, Patoranking, Falz, Yemi Alade, Timi Dakolo, Waje, and Darey.
For the presenters, they include Stephanie Coker, IK Osakioduwa, Toke Makinwa, and Nancy Isime. After the first and second seasons in 2016 and 2017 respectively, the Voice Nigeria returned for a third season in 2021. The show is unique one, unlike other music singing competitions. Each judge is a coach and creates a 4-man team from the contestants in the battle round.
When the live shows begin, the contestants are assigned what songs to sing. Out of the 4 contestants in each team, two are sent home every week. The coach gets to choose one contestant to remain and the other is determined from public voting. The winner and runner up is determined out of the last 8 contestants and it’s determined by public voting.
4. Ultimate Love
Among this list of top 5 reality and talent discovery shows in Nigeria, Ultimate Love is the latest. The show has only had one season and it started in 2020. It’s owned by Multichoice who is also the owner of Big Brother Nigeria. Hence, both shows are somewhat similar.
However, while in Big Brother, the housemates are not mandated to love each other, the converse is the case with Ultimate Love. The show features 16 contestants in 8 groups of one male and one female. Each group is a couple and they try to get to know each other and probably start a relationship as the weeks go by.
Fans vote every week for their favorite couple. As normal, the couple to be evicted are those with the lowest vote. At the end of the show, the remaining couple is crowned the Ultimate Couple. Amidst the fame they get, they get prizes including cash and an apartment. Interestingly, the couple is expected to get married as the show sponsors their traditional marriage.
5. Project Fame
Project Fame which is presented by MTN is a West African reality TV show and music talent competition. Although it’s tagged West African, only Nigerians and Ghananians currently contest in the competition. Project Fame first aired in 2008 and throughout the years, it has birthed many Nigerian celebrities.
Iyanya and Chidinma are some top singers that won the competition. Notably, Praiz finished as second-runner up in the season that Iyanya won. Bisola of Big Brother also contested in that season and she finished 6th place. Niniola was a contestant in the sixth season.
The Project Fame West Africa competition is like other singing competitions. There are judges to vet the performance of each contestant while the evicts and winners are determined from public voting.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the best reality and talent discovery shows in Nigeria that you can go for, the competitions listed above are the top 5. Good luck!