Showbiz
How Kingdom Mesmerized Viewers, Voters to Clinch Nigerian Idol Season 6
By Dipo Olowookere
For several weeks, many were glued to their television screens watching Nigerian Idol season 6, with budding music acts showcasing their talents.
On April 24, 2021, 68 contestants headed to theatre week of the music contest but only 17 contestants progressed to the next round. The 17 contestants were assessed based on the strength of their voices and their overall stage performance which saw 11 contestants elevated to the live performances.
Eventually, it became a journey of creativity, excitement, and gripping music contest that lasted for 10 weeks with 11 contestants arousing the emotions of millions of music lovers and fans with entertaining rhythms and glamour of live-music performances.
On Sunday, July 11, 2021, after weeks and months of auditions, evictions and drama, a 24-year-old Bayelsa State-born Kingdom Kroseide emerged as the winner of the contest.
He defeated Benue State-born Francis Atela to clinch the coveted prize of N30 million, a brand-new SUV, a 6-track EP recording deal, 3 music videos included, a Bigi branded refrigerator plus a one-year free supply of Bigi drinks, an all-expense-paid trip to Seychelles, a weekend getaway to Dubai for two and a one-year cable subscription.
For his effort, the runner up, Atela Francis, also got a boost in his career with a prize of a music single to be produced by a leading Nigerian producer plus a top-notch music video, courtesy of the organizers.
At the grand finale last Sunday, Kingdom’s rendition of Gentleman by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, coupled with his duet with Cobhams Asuquo on the hit track One Hit, ignited a euphoric feeling that erupted ecstatic moments from the judges who gave a standing ovation during the performance.
The singer had refreshingly delighted fans, voters and the judges with his music talent all through the 10 weeks of performances to clinch the coveted grand prize.
From his first day on the show, he had shown that he has all the qualities to win the Nigerian Idol show and it was not a surprise that he forced tears out of one of the judges, Seyi Shay.
The Nigerian Idol 2021, sponsored by Bigi Drinks, a subsidiary of Rite Foods Limited, did not disappoint as viewers believed that it produced one of the best talents in Nigeria as the winner.
Bigi has been applauded for sponsoring the show at this time some organisations would have stayed back because of the economic situation in the country. However, the company ensured that it put funds down to make Nigerians happy in this period.
Weeks ago, recall that when the top 7 contestants visited the Lagos headquarters of Rite Foods Limited.
During the visit, Kingdom revealed that his favourite Bigi variants were Bigi Water and Bigi sausage roll. It is now safe to assume that Bigi premium drinking water over the weeks has kept the star replenished and hydrated while he was dishing out refreshing music performances all through the competition.
Bigi is a carbonated soft drink with 12 variants. The Bigi soft drinks have, for over 10 weeks, refreshed and revitalized all contestants who contested for season 6 of the Nigerian Idol.
The Brand Manager of Rite Foods Limited, Ms Boluwatife Adedugbe, affirmed again the company’s commitment to talent development and entertainment in Nigeria.
According to her, Rite Foods Limited has found a way to give back to consumers with not only refreshing beverages but also operate on very high standards in Nigeria by tying the company’s values to youth and people-centred initiatives.
She further stated that the company’s sponsorship of the music competition “is to ensure that talents are nurtured in order to inspire and empower stars that would take the music and entertainment industry to enviable heights.”
“We also look forward to the winner tonight, Kingdom, doing more on the international scene to place Nigeria on the global map,” she added.
The Nigerian Idol season 6, according to the organisers, recorded over 80 million votes in totality. At the final of the event, stars like Patoranking, Ice-Prince Zamani, Ayra Star and Cobhams Asuquo graced the stage to add to the thrill of the excitement.
Despite the show coming to an end, the celebration and excitement continue on Showmax for fans and music lovers who want to bask in the ambience of the show.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Showmax has announced that it would shut down its streaming services on April 30, 2026, bringing an end to its current operations.
The company disclosed this in an email sent to its subscribers, outlining key dates and what users should expect in the coming weeks.
According to the notice, the streamer set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for users to renew subscriptions or redeem vouchers, adding that from April 1, 2026, new subscriptions and renewals will no longer be available.
Recall that Canal+, which now owns MultiChoice, a pay-TV firm, earlier this month announced its decision to discontinue the streaming service due to its unsustainable operations.
MultiChoice launched Showmax across Africa 10 years ago in August 2015 to compete with the advent of streamers like Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon’s Prime Video, Disney+ and others, but it faced some challenges and couldn’t hit its target.
Even after it relaunched in partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal in 2024, it kept haemorrhaging cash without a viable return. Canal+ is looking to cut a combined €400 million by 2030, which will affect content.
NBCUniversal has a 30 per cent stake in Showmax as a joint venture. In its last annual results before the Canal+ takeover, MultiChoice revealed that Showmax’s trading losses had worsened by 88 per cent while revenue significantly declined.
With the winding-down plan now in full flow, Showmax informed subscribers that existing users can continue watching content until their subscriptions expire or until the end of April 2026.
“31 March 2026: Last day to renew your Showmax subscription or redeem vouchers,” the email stated.
It further reassured subscribers that there would be no immediate disruption for active users, noting that they can keep streaming content as usual within the transition period.
“No stress, you can keep watching as usual until your subscription ends, or until the end of April 2026, whichever comes first,” the company said.
The platform also hinted at a transition plan, stating that more details would be shared on how users can continue enjoying its content through other channels, particularly via DStv Stream.
“We’ll soon share how you can keep enjoying Showmax Originals and more on DStv Stream… So, ‘be on the lookout,” the email added.
MultiChoice has already started rebranding Showmax Originals as Africa Magic, M-Net, kykNET and Mzansi Magic Originals, with original series that will transition to these various DStv linear TV channels on the MultiChoice pay-TV platform.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The popular Nigerian telenovela, Wura, is making a return to the screens on Monday, March 31, 2026, for the fourth season.
The programme will be aired exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7), Business Post gathered.
It will air every weeknight at 8 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and at 8:30 pm on Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7).
Directed by Mr Rogers Ofime, Season 4 raises the stakes as Wura’s carefully built empire begins to crack under the weight of secrets, betrayal, and relentless pressure from every side. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, the Adeleke dynasty stands on the brink of collapse.
A statement disclosed that the new season continues to follow the story of Wura Amoo Adeleke, the ruthless matriarch played by Scarlet Gomez, as she fights to survive the fallout from Season 3’s explosive ending.
Haunted by guilt and surrounded by enemies, Wura must protect her empire while her own family turns against her.
Wura Season 4 features an ensemble cast, including Ray Adeka, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ego Iheanacho, Modesinuola Ogundiwin and many more.
“Season 4 is about consequences. Everything Wura has done, every choice she’s made, is coming home to roost. This season, we’re not holding back,” Mr Ofime said.
Also commenting, the Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice, Ms Atinuke Babatunde, said, “Wura represents the calibre of bold, compelling storytelling that Africa Magic was built to showcase.
“Bringing this powerhouse series to our platform is a statement about our commitment to premium African content. We’re proud to bring Wura to millions of viewers across the continent.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The 98th edition of the celebrated Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards, known as the Oscars, was held on Sunday, March 15.
The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian, Conan O’Brien.
Here is the compiled list of winners at the showpiece.
Best Picture
Bugonia
F1: The Movie
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another – WINNER
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Best Actor
Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan, Sinners – WINNER
Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
Best Actress
Jessie Buckley, Hamnet – WINNER
Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Emma Stone, Bugonia
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actress
Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
Amy Madigan, Weapons – WINNER
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another
Best Director
Chloé Zhao, Hamnet
Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners
Original Screenplay
Robert Kaplow, Blue Moon
Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Eskil Vogt & Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler, Sinners – WINNER
Adapted Screenplay
Will Tracy, Bugonia
Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein
Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Train Dreams
Animated Feature
Arco
Elio
Kpop Demon Hunters – WINNER
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Zootopia 2
Documentary Feature
The Alabama Solution
Come See Me in the Good Light
Cutting Through Rocks
Mr Nobody Against Putin – WINNER
The Perfect Neighbor
International Feature
The Secret Agent, Brazil
It Was Just an Accident, France
Sentimental Value, Norway – WINNER
Sirāt, Spain
The Voice of Hind Rajab, Tunisia
Best Editing
Stephen Mirrione, F1: The Movie
Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Olivier Bugge Coutté, Sentimental Value
Michael P. Shawver, Sinners
Cinematography
Dan Laustsen, Frankenstein
Darius Khondji, Marty Supreme
Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners – WINNER
Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams
Original Score
Jerskin Fendrix, Bugonia
Alexandre Desplat, Frankenstein
Max Richter, Hamnet
Jonny Greenwood, One Battle After Another
Ludwig Göransson, Sinners – WINNER
Best Casting
Nina Gold, Hamnet
Jennifer Venditti, Marty Supreme
Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another – WINNER
Gabriel Domingues, The Secret Agent
Francine Maisler, Sinners
Best Production Design
Frankenstein – WINNER
Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau
Hamnet
Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton
Marty Supreme
Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis
One Battle After Another
Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino
Sinners
Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Monique Champagne
Best Costume Design
Deborah L. Scott, Avatar: Fire and Ash
Kate Hawley, Frankenstein – WINNER
Malgosia Turzanska, Hamnet
Miyako Bellizzi, Marty Supreme
Ruth E. Carter, Sinners
Best Visual Effects
Avatar: Fire and Ash – WINNER
F1: The Movie
Jurassic World Rebirth
The Lost Bus
Sinners
Best Sound
F1: The Movie – WINNER
Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, & Juan Peralta
Frankenstein
Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke, & Brad Zoern.
One Battle After Another
José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio, & Tony Villaflor.
Sinners
Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor, & Steve Boeddeker.
Sirât
Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas, & Yasmina Praderas.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Frankenstein – WINNER
Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, & Cliona Furey
Kokuho
Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino, & Tadashi Nishimatsu
Sinners
Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine, & Shunika Terry
The Smashing Machine
Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin, & Bjoern Rehbein
The Ugly Stepsister
Thomas Foldberg & Anne Cathrine Sauerberg
Best Original Song
Dear Me
from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
Golden – WINNER
from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park
I Lied to You
from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson
Sweet Dreams of Joy
from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike
Train Dreams
from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave
Best Live-Action Short
Butcher’s Stain
A Friend of Dorothy
Jane Austen’s Period Drama
The Singers – WINNER (TIE)
Two People Exchanging Saliva – WINNER (TIE)
Best Documentary Short
All the Empty Rooms – WINNER
Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
Children No More: “Were and Are Gone”
The Devil Is Busy
Perfectly A Strangeness
Best Animated Short
Butterfly
Forevergreen
The Girl Who Cried Pearls – WINNER
Retirement Plan
The Three Sisters.
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