Project Fame West Africa

Last updated
Project Fame West Africa
Project Fame West Africa title screen.jpg
Also known asProject Fame
Genre Reality, talent show
Created byGboyega Ayoade
Presented by Joseph Benjamin
Bolanle Olukanni [1]
Judges
Country of originNigeria
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons9
No. of episodes5 per season
Production
Executive producer MTN Nigeria
ProducerUltima Limited
Release
Original network TV3 Ghana
Clare TV (Liberia)
AIT (Nigeria)
GET TV (Nigeria)
MiTV (Nigeria)
NTA (Nigeria)
Nigerzie (Nigeria)
ONTV(Nigeria)
Silverbird (Nigeria)
SoundCity (Nigeria)
ABC TV (Sierra Leone)
Original release18 July 2008 (2008-07-18) 
2016 (2016)

Project Fame, also known as Project Fame West Africa or MTN Project Fame West Africa (for sponsorship purposes), is a music talent TV reality show filmed in Lagos and aired in the West African subcontinent. [2] It is a regional version of Star Academy reality series that was developed and is licensed worldwide by Endemol. The show used to feature contestants from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, but Liberia and Sierra Leone have been dropped since the 2014 Ebola Outbreak. The show is broadcast by networks in these four countries and across the African continent.

Contents

Run by Ultima production, [3] Project Fame's inaugural season began in 2008. The production format consists of gala evenings held each Sunday night in prime time and hosted by Joseph Benjamin and Adaora Oleh. In season 7, Adaora was replaced with Bolanle Olukanni. Additionally, there's a weekly recap show and the Eviction night on Saturday night.

The jury is formed by three judges; Praiz, Bibie Brew and Tee-Y Mix, and Faculty members of the Academy which include: Joke Silva, Lovette Otegbola, Dupe Ige, Ben Ogbeiwi and Mr Gboyega Ayoade.

The show is notorious for its winners struggling to make a name for themselves in the industry after they win. Of all the contestants in the 9 seasons, only Iyanya, Chidinma, Praiz, Niniola and Johnny Drille have gone on to make various degrees of success in music; season 5 winner Ayoola went on to become a thriving TV star [4]

Winners & Runners-up

SeasonYearWinnerRunner-upCountryHost
1
2008
Iyanya Nigeria
2
2009
Mike AnyasodoNigeria
3
2010
Chidinma Nigeria
4
2011
Monica Ogah Nigeria
5
2012
Ayoola Marvellous Odiete Nigeria
6
2013
OlawaleNigeria
7
2014
Geoffrey Oji Nigeria
8
2015
Jeff Akoh Nigeria
9
2016
Okiemute Ighorodje [5] Nigeria

Season 1 (2008)

Season 2 (2009)

Season 3 (2010)

[6]

CandidateAgeResidenceResult
Adebola Kester29 Ghana
Chidinma 22 Ikorodu, Nigeria
Christian22 Ashanti Region, Ghana
Eyo29 Lagos, Nigeria
Kesse 24 Ghana
Ochuko Lagos, Nigeria
Tolu Adesina 29 Kaduna, Nigeria
Yetunde Ibadan, Nigeria
Joecelia Gbondo Freetown, Sierra Leone 10th Evicted
Rhoda26 Lagos, Nigeria 9th Evicted
Vwede Akpoguma Benin, Nigeria 8th Evicted
Helen Pajebo-Jackson23 Monrovia, Liberia 7th Evicted
Shehu30 Kaduna, Nigeria 6th Evicted
Monica24 Enugu, Nigeria 5th Evicted
Samuel Stryker Monrovia, Liberia 4th Evicted
Modele22 Abeokuta, Nigeria 3rd Evicted
Lindsey Abuja, Nigeria 2nd Evicted
Gold21 Lagos, Nigeria 1st Evicted

Gala evenings

1st Live Show - Contestant's choice [7]
OrderContestantSong (Original Artist)Result
1
Tolu"When A Man Loves A Woman" (Michael Bolton)Safe
2
Rhoda"For You I Will" (Monica)Safe
3
Lindsey"Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper)Safe
4
Joecelia"Breathe Again" (Toni Braxton)Safe
5
Helen"Nothing Compares To You" (Sinéad O'Connor)Safe
6
Vwede"Coast to Coast" (Westlife)Safe
7
Yetunde"You Gotta Be" (Des'ree)Safe
8
Eyo"I Just Called To Say I Love You" (Stevie Wonder)Safe
9
Chidinma"Stickwitu" (The Pussycat Dolls)Safe
10
Shehu"Careless Whispers" (George Michael)Safe
11
Modele"Same Old Love" (Anita Baker)Safe
12
Kesse"Rock Me Tonight" (Freddie Jackson)Safe
13
Gold"Smooth Operator" (Sade Adu)Safe
14
Samuel"Lady In Red" (Chris de Burg)Safe
15
Adebola"Where Do Broken Hearts Go" (Whitney Houston)Safe
16
Monica"Still the One" (Shania Twain)Safe
17
Christian"No Matter Why" (Boyzone)Safe
18
Ocuhko"My Girl" (Temptations)Safe
2nd Live Show - Aṣa & Tracy Chapman [8]

Mentor: Aṣa

OrderContestantSong (Original Artist)Result
1
Yetunde"Eye Adaba" (Aṣa)Safe
2
Eyo"Change" (Tracy Chapman)Safe
3
Joecelia"Fire on the Mountain" (Aṣa)Bottom Five
4
Shehu"Kiss the Rain" (Tracy Chapman)Bottom Five
5
Modele"You're the One" (Tracy Chapman)Bottom Five
6
Tolu"Jailer Man" (Aṣa)Safe
7
Rhoda"For My Love" (Tracy Chapman)Safe
8
Lindsey"Give Me One Reason" (Tracy Chapman)Eliminated
9
Chidinma"Fast Cars" (Tracy Chapman)Safe
10
Helen"Sorry" (Tracy Chapman)Safe
11
Vwede"If You Want Me" (Tracy Chapman)Safe
12
Christian"360 Degrees" (Aṣa)Safe
13
Ochuko"She's Got Her Ticket" (Tracy Chapman)Safe
14
Samuel"Peace" (Aṣa)Safe
15
Adebola"Iba" (Aṣa)Safe
16
Monica"Why?" (Tracy Chapman)Safe
17
Gold"Waidi" (Aṣa)Eliminated
18
Kesse"So Beautiful" (Aṣa)Safe
3rd Live Show - Reggae [9]

Mentor: Samini

OrderContestantSong (Original Artist)Result
1
Ochuko"Rock Me Baby" (Johnny Nash)Safe
2
Christian"I Shot the Sheriff" (Bob Marley)Safe
3
Joecelia"Cherry Oh Baby" (UB40)Safe
4
Monica"Pass the Dutchie" (Musical Youth)Safe
5
Modele"Rat Race" (Mandators)Eliminated
6
Eyo"Romba Stylee" (Ras Kimono)Safe
7
Tolu"Get Up, Stand Up" (Bob Marley)Safe
8
Chidinma"Gnashing of Teeth" (Mighty Diamonds)Safe
9
Helen"Just Don't Wanna be Lonely" (Freddie McGregor)Bottom Five
10
Rhoda"Mama Africa" (Peter Tosh)Bottom Five
11
Vwede"Kpobaro" (Evi Edna)Safe
12
Samuel"Don't Turn Around" (Aswad)Eliminated
13
Adebola"I Wanna Wake Up With You" (Boris Gardiner)Bottom Five
14
Shehu"Back To My Roots" (Lucky Dube)Safe
15
Kesse"Land of my Birth" (Eric Donaldson)Safe
16
Yetunde"I Need a Roof" (Mighty Diamonds)Safe
4th Live Show - African Night [10]

Mentor: Lagbaja

OrderContestantSong (Original Artist)Result
1
Eyo"Lady" (Fela)Safe
2
Shehu"Coolu Temper" (Lagbaja)Eliminated
3
Joecelia"I Shall Sing" (Miriam Makeba)Safe
4
Monica"Nigeria Go Survive" (Veno)Eliminated
5
Kesse"Dambebi" (Ofori Amponsah)Safe
6
Chidinma"Ipi Tombia" (Miriam Mekeba)Safe
7
Rhoda"I'm Burning Up" (Yvonne Chaka Chaka)Bottom Five
8
Helen"Taxi Driver" (Mandy Brown)Safe
9
Vwede"Rhumba Dance" (Mike Okri)Bottom Five
10
Tolu"Palava" (Fela)Safe
11
Adebola"Thank you Mr. DJ" (Yvonne Chaka Chaka)Bottom Five
12
Yetunde"Wombo Lombo" (Angélique Kidjo)Safe
13
Christian"Wo Se Keta A Bae Mu" (Daddy Lumba)Safe
14
Ochuko"Konko Below" (Lagbaja)Safe
5th Live Show - Soft Rock and Soul [11]

Mentor: Frank Edoho

OrderContestantSong (Original Artist)Result
1
Adebola"You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" (Celine Dion)Safe
2
Yetunde"Big Girls Don't Cry" (Fergie)Safe
3
Eyo"Three Times A Lady" (Kenny Rogers)Safe
4
Joecelia"It's My House" (Diana Ross)Safe
5
Kesse"Knocking on Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan)Safe
6
Rhoda"Runaway" (The Corrs)Safe
7
Vwede"Take My Breath Away" (Berlin)Safe
8
Tolu"First Cut Is The Deepest" (Rod Stewart)Safe
9
Ochuko"One More Night" (Phil Collins)Safe
10
Christian"If You Don't Know Me By Now" (Simply Red)Safe
11
Helen"Lake A Prayer" (Madonna)Safe
12
Chidinma"I Want To Know What Love Is" (Mariah Carey)Safe
6th Live Show - Classic Duets & Evergreen Disco Songs [12]

Mentor: Yinka Davies

OrderContestantSong (Original Artist)Result
1Eyo"Same Girl" (Usher & R. Kelly)Safe
KesseSafe
2Christian"Two Wrongs" (Wyclef Jean & Claudette Ortizt)Bottom 5
HelenEliminated
3Vwede"Love of My Life" (George Benson & Roberta Flack)Eliminated
AdebolaSafe
4Joecelia"I Got You Babe" (UB40)Safe
OchukoBottom 5
5Tolu"My Boo" (Usher & Alicia Keys)Safe
ChidinmaSafe
6Rhoda"Frankie" (Sister Sledge)Bottom 5
YetundeSafe
7
Eyo"Cassanova" (Gerald Levert)Safe
8
Kesse"Ladies Man" (Kool & the Gang)Safe
9
Helen"Ain’t Nobody" (Chaka Khan)Eliminated
10
Christian"Rock The Boat" (The Hues Corporation)Bottom 5
11
Vwede"Night Shift" (The Commodores)Eliminated
12
Adebola"Staying Alive" (Bee Gees)Safe
13
Joecelia"I'm in Love" (Evlyn King)Safe
14
Ochuko"Wet My Whistle" (Midnight Star)Bottom 5
15
Tolu"Caribbean Quee" (Billy Ocean)Safe
16
Chidinma"I'm Every Woman" (Whitney Houston)Safe
17
Yetunde"Somebody Else's Guy" (Jocelyn Brown)Safe
18
Rhoda"Ring My Bell" (Anita Ward)Bottom 5
7th Live Show - Afro-Caribbean night [13]

Mentor: Onyeka Onwenu

OrderContestantSong (Original Artist)Result
1
Adebola"Halleluyah" (Onyeka Onwenu)Bottom 5
2
Eyo"Ifeoma" (Felix Lebarty)Safe
3
Joecelia"Baby Let Me Love You" (Bonny Macs)Eliminated
4
Kesse"Searching" (Bongos Ikwe)Safe
5
Christian"Bonsue" (Joe Mensah)Safe
6
Yetunde"Jafunmi" (Sunny Adé)Bottom 5
7
Chidinma"Ekwe" (Onyeka Onwenu)Safe
8
Tolu"You & I" (Onyeka Onwenu)Safe
9
Rhoda"Hot Hot Hot" (Mighty Diamonds)Eliminated
10
Ochuko"Afro Juju" (Sir Shina Peters)Bottom 5

Elimination chart

Elimination Chart
23456789101112131415
AdebolaININININININ
ChidinmaININININININ
ChristianININININININ
EyoININININININ
KesseININININININ
OchukoININININININ
ToluININININININ
YetundeININININININ
RhodaINININININOUT
JoeceliaINININININOUT
VwedeININININOUT
HelenININININOUT
ShehuININOUT
MonicaININOUT
SamuelINOUT
ModeleINOUT
LindseyOUT
GoldOUT
  The contestant won the show
  The contestant lost in the final
  The contestant was in the Bottom Five, but saved by the jury
  The contestant was in the Bottom Five, but saved by the academy
  The contestant was in the Bottom Five, but saved by the students
  The contestant was eliminated

Season 4 (2011)

Season 5 (2012)

Season 6 (2013)

Season 7 (2014)

Season 8 (2015)

Season 8 is being broadcast on TVC, MITV, DBN, SOUNDCITY, ONTV and GETTV. the finalists are Ada, Anderson, Arewa, Deinde, Jeff & pearl.

 Jeffrey oji finished as the winner of season 8

Season 9 (2016)

Related Research Articles

Big Brother Africa is the African version of the international reality television franchise Big Brother created by producer John de Mol in 1997. The show was first aired in 2003 for one season on M-Net and broadcast to audiences in 42 African countries. In 2007, the show was back from four-year hiatus, until it got cancelled after season nine in 2014.

<i>Nigerian Idol</i> Nigerian TV series or program

Nigerian Idol is the local version of the Idol series franchise. It is the second Idol franchise for the country as it was already part of Idols West Africa which was also shot and produced in Stockholm, Sweden.

<i>Africas Next Top Model</i> Television series

Africa's Next Top Model is a reality television show and spin-off to America's Next Top Model. It follows the format of the original version, and documents a competition in which a number of aspiring models compete for the title of Africa's Next Top Model and a chance to start a career in the modeling industry. The show is hosted by model Oluchi Onweagba, and features contestants from countries in Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joseph Benjamin (actor)</span> Nigerian actor

Joseph Benjaminlisten is a Nigerian actor, model, singer, Voice-over Artist and television presenter mainly known for co-hosting MTN's Project Fame, a talent reality show, and starring in the movies Tango With Me, Mr. and Mrs., and Murder at Prime Suites. He won the African Actor of the Year award at the 2012 African Film Awards. For his role in Married but Living Single, he won the best lead actor at the 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chidinma</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter

Chidinma Ekile, known professionally as Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. A native of Imo State, Chidinma was born in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State. In 2010, she gained prominence after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa. Following the release of the music video for her "Emi Ni Baller" single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. In 2011, she released the Sound Sultan-assisted single "Jankoliko". Her eponymous debut album Chidinma was released through the music platform Spinlet; it was supported by the singles "Jankoliko", "Carry You Go", "Kedike" and "Run Dia Mouth". Chidinma won Best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards and performed "Kedike" at the ceremony.

Monica Ene Ogah, commonly known as Monica Ogah, is a Nigerian singer, the 2011 winner of the fourth edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa. As a prize, Ogah was given a record deal and her first album, Sometime in August, was released in August 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">960 Music Group</span> Nigerian record company and artist management firm

960 Music Group, headquartered in Lagos, is a Nigerian record company, content owner, and artist management firm focused on providing diverse audio and visual entertainment across Nigeria. The company is headed by Mark Redguard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geoffrey Oji</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter

Geoffrey Oji is a Nigerian singer and songwriter best known for winning the seventh season of Project Fame West Africa. He won the competition after years of consistently auditioning for the show. Geoffrey is currently under a management deal with 960 Music Group courtesy of a partnership between 960 Music Group and Ultima Productions. His debut single 'Bursting My Brain' was released on January 30, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Password (record producer)</span> Nigerian Singer-Songwriter Music Producer

Patrick Mathias, popularly known as Password, is a Nigerian record producer, singer and songwriter. He is best known for co-writing the song "Gobe" with Davido, which peaked at number 1 on MTV Base's Official Naija Top Ten Chart. He won MTN's SongStar contest with Don Jazzy. Password has continued to work in the Nigerian music and movie industry and as a producer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bolanle Olukanni</span> Nigerian TV presenter popularly

Bolanle Olukanni is a Nigerian television host, actor, and radio host. She is known for hosting Moments with Mo on DStv and Project Fame West Africa. Olukanni is also the host of the International Women’s Month special on Channels TV.

Jeff Ufedo Akohlisten is a Nigerian singer. Jeff rose to prominence after winning the eighth season of Project Fame West Africa, a popular singing reality TV competition which was held in late 2015. He won the competition at the age of 18, making him the youngest winner so far. Shortly after, Jeff was offered a management deal with 960 Music Group and Ultima Productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tee-Y Mix</span> Nigerian record producer and sound engineer

Temitayo Ibitoye better known as Tee-Y Mix is known not just for mixing but also producing, he has produced for Iyanya, Seyi Shay, Chidinma, Darey and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tosyn Bucknor</span> Nigerian media personality (1981–2018)

Oluwatosin "Tosyn" Bucknor was a Nigerian writer, singer-songwriter, radio and television host, social media content creator and a Vlogger who died of sickle cell anaemia. Until her death, she worked with Inspiration FM as a journalist and also ran ‘These Genes Project’ to help people with sickle cell anaemia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Praiz</span> Musical artist

Praise Ugbede Adejolisten, better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian multi award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. Praiz's music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa. He is best known for releasing hit singles like "Rich and Famous", "Sisi" and "I Love You". He contributed guest vocals to Bez's 2011 single "That Stupid Song"; the music video for the song mentioned was the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park. He is currently signed to Cicada Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnny Drille</span> Nigerian musician

John Ighodaro, professionally known as Johnny Drille, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. His career came into the spotlight when he released a cover of "Awww" by Di'Ja. He is currently signed to Mavin Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bisola Aiyeola</span> Nigerian actress and singer

Bisola AiyeolaListen is a Nigerian actress and singer. In 2017, Bisola became the first runner up of Big Brother Naija. In 2018, she won the AMVCA Trailblazer Award at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. In 2021, she was one of the investors of Amaze, an app that makes endorsement deals easier for celebrities.

Tolulope Abraham Adesina (Tolu) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, recording artist, music producer, and actor born in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria. He was a finalist at the 2010 MTN Project Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayoola Ayolola</span> Nigerian musician and actor

Ayoola Ayolola is a Nigerian musician, singer, and actor. He won the 5th Project Fame West Africa on September 29, 2012.

Adora Oleh, is a British born Nigerian TV presenter and the first co-host of MTN Project Fame, which she co-hosted for five years. On Sunday 8 December 2013, Adora Oleh won the most popular female TV presenter award in Nigerian Broadcasters Awards which took place in Lagos. She used to host her talk show – "The Adora Oleh Show" on Vox Africa, an entertainment programme which focuses on positive role models and entrepreneurs making waves.

<i>Big Brother Naija</i> (season 5) Nigerian television show

Big Brother Naija Season 5 also known as Big Brother Naija: Lockdown was the fifth season of the Nigerian version of the reality show Big Brother. It premiered on 19 July 2020 on Africa Magic and the live feed on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29. Ex-housemate Ebuka Obi-Uchendu from season one returned as host.

References

  1. "5 things you probably don't know about the charming TV host". 19 August 2015.
  2. Simwa, Adrianna (2018-06-06). "All MTN Project Fame winners since inception". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
  3. "Ultima". Ultima. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
  4. "MTN Project Fame West Africa Archives". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2022-12-07.
  5. BellaNaija: And the Winner is... 25-year-old Okiemute Ighorodje Wins Season 9 of MTN Project Fame West Africa!
  6. "MTN Project Fame West Africa's 'Lucky 18′ get their first taste of Stardom as the show begins and superstar Asa visits". Bella Naija. 19 July 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  7. "Opening Gala Show". Project Fame. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  8. "Sunday Show 1......A night of bliss and fun". Project Fame. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  9. "REGGAE NIGHT". Project Fame. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  10. "AFRICAN NIGHT". Project Fame. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
  11. "A night of Soft Rock and Soul". Project Fame. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  12. "Sunday's Show 6... A Double-edged Night". Project Fame. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
  13. "Sunday Show 6…… Afro- Caribbean Night". Project Fame. Retrieved 30 August 2010.