Victory Gbakara Wins ₦‎35m Cash Prize as Nigerian Idol Season 8 Ends

Victory Gbakara has been announced as the winner of the eighth edition of the country’s most watched singing competition – Nigerian Idol.

Victory Gbakara has emerged as the winner of Nigeria’s most popular singing competition, Nigerian Idol, after a fierce and intense eight-week competition. The highly anticipated show, which started airing on DStv and GOtv on April 23, began with over 10,000 auditions, gradually narrowing down to 29 contestants and finally reaching the top 10 contenders.

As the winner, Victory Gbakara has received the prestigious grand prize, which includes ₦‎35 million in cash, a brand new SUV, a Bigi Refrigerator, a one-year supply of Bigi soft drinks, an all-expense paid trip courtesy of Tecno, a music record deal with a reputable label that includes a video shoot, a one-year supply of WAW detergent, and a fully installed DStv Explora with one year of Premium subscription.

Victory Gbakara now joins the esteemed group of past winners since the show’s return in 2021. He will be in the company of talented alumni such as Kingdom Kroseide, who won the title in 2021, and Progress Chukwuyem, the winner from the previous year.

Reflecting on Victory’s performances throughout the season, one of the judges, Obi-Asika, commented, “Victory Gbakara has always possessed star quality, and his potential was evident right from the auditions. As judges, we are proud to have witnessed his growth and eventual triumph in the competition.”

John Ugbe, the CEO of MultiChoice West Africa, stated, “Nigerian Idol has become a powerful platform for investing in the Nigerian entertainment industry and has grown to be a vehicle for exceptional singers who can make a mark. With the industry projected to reach $14.82 billion by 2025, we need to be intentional about its trajectory and how young Nigerians will contribute to its future. We are committed to doing even more.”

The 2023 edition of Nigerian Idol was hosted by popular media personality IK Osakioduwa and featured a panel of three judges: music executive Obi Asika, singer-songwriter Simi, and award-winning artist D’banj. Since its inception in 2011, Nigerian Idol has served as a launchpad for the music careers of aspiring singers in Nigeria. It goes beyond being just an entertaining show and has become an important indicator of trends in the African music industry and a strategic investment in the industry.

Although still overwhelmed by his victory, Victory expressed his gratitude to the show’s organizers and fans for the opportunity. He said, “I am filled with joy. I am incredibly happy, guys. This journey has been life-changing, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support and love from my family, friends, and especially my amazing fans.”

Dr. Busola Tejumola, the Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, commented on the grand finale, saying, “At MultiChoice, we are intentional about the impact our content can have on our audience and the community at large. Beyond its entertainment value, Nigerian Idol is a catalyst for economic growth and enriching lives. We are thrilled to be part of Victory Gbakara’s journey.”

Nigerian Idol not only contributes to the Nigerian music industry by fostering talent development but also has a positive economic impact. The music sector has played a significant role in elevating Nigeria’s image and contributing to the country’s GDP. With rising stars like Victory Gbakara creating exceptional music that appeals to listeners worldwide, the revenue generated from the Nigerian music industry is expected to continue growing. According to Statista, Nigeria’s music revenue increased from 26 million U.S. dollars in 2014 to 34 million U.S. dollars in 2018, and it is projected to reach 44 million U.S. dollars by 2023.

MultiChoice Nigeria, through Nigerian Idol and other music programs and channels, contributes to the growth of the sector by providing job opportunities for numerous production members, stylists, makeup artists, and other musicians involved in the show.

The grand finale of Nigerian Idol featured captivating performances from the top 10 contestants, as well as renowned artists Simi, Johnny Drille, Fave, and Progress, the winner of Nigerian Idol season 7.