The wait is finally over as Africa’s biggest talent show, Nigeria’s Got Talent (NGT) is back for another spectacular season.
NGT’s franchise owner, Optima Media Group and lead sponsor, Airtel Nigeria made the announcement today in Lagos at a media event with invited guests spanning the business, media and entertainment industries. They were supported by Malta Guinness, a co-sponsor.
The show, which is sponsored by Airtel Nigeria, will hold from October 2013 till March 2014. The audition train will begin in Abuja from October 9, followed by Calabar on October 12. The dates for Port Harcourt, Enugu, Asaba, Benin and Ibadan are October 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 respectively. Lagos auditions will hold October 26 and 27, 2013.
The world famous talent show which will be hosted this year by the enigmatic Andre Blaze, garnered rave reviews with its debut and is geared for an even more impressive outing this year with the organisers promising a plethora of surprises and the usual fun-filled excitement for its loyal viewers.
Speaking about his company’s involvement with the reality show, Airtel’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Emeka Oparah said the company’s sponsorship of the franchise is in sync with its vision of providing credible platforms that can help people achieve their dreams.
His words: “Airtel is extremely delighted to remain the lead sponsor of the Nigeria’s Got Talent show now in Season Two. Airtel’s association with this unique platform is hinged on our passion for celebrating and rewarding young, talented Nigerians. The Airtel brand is not just red, bold and jazzy but youthful, exciting, unique and a lot of fun.
“As a telecommunications company, there are no limits to ensuring that we provide Nigerians with impactful services and veritable platforms for empowerment and wealth creation as well as entertainment
and fun.”
Managing Director, Rapid Blue Format, Rotimi Pedro, said, “It hasn’t being easy preparing for another season as all hands have been on deck to make it a blast. Gifted Nigerians, male and female of all ages with talent in acrobatics, magic display, fire eating, and others will have yet another chance to showcase their talent and a chance to walk away with the much coveted grand prize.”
“It’s always inspiring to see the enormous wealth of talent here in Nigeria and how such talent is nurtured to create the stars of tomorrow,” he added.
Mr. Wole Adedeji, Brand Manager of Malta Guinness added, “We are committed to driving our brand passion; recognizing, celebrating and fuelling the incredible talent and energy in the Nigerian spirit. This sponsorship once again demonstrates the brand’s commitment to its target consumers; their dreams, their potentials & their talents.”
The maiden edition of the Nigeria’s Got Talent was won by 9 year-old, Amarachi Uyanne from Benin City who performed as a dancer all through the competition.
Asides from South Africa, Nigeria is the only African country to have purchased the franchise. The Got Talent franchise has produced many notable performers in the last couple of years including Diversity, Bianca Ryan and Britain’s Got Talent’s 2009 1st runner up Susan Boyle, whose debut album became the fastest selling UK debut album of all time, selling over 3 million copies in the U.S amongst others.
The franchise currently in its 9th year is one of the fastest growing international franchises, closing the gap on other successful franchises such as ‘The Weakest Link’, ‘The X Factor’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ amongst others.
