The winner of the eighth season of Nigerian Idol, the nation’s most popular singing competition, has been named as Victory Gbakara after eight weeks of intense battle.

Over 10,000 auditioners for the hotly fought program were down to 29 finalists, who were then narrowed down to the top 10 candidates, before it debuted on DStv and GOtv on April 23.

The winner recently took home the coveted grand prize, which included 35 million dollars in cash, a new SUV, a Bigi refrigerator and a year’s supply of Bigi soft drink, an expense-paid trip from Tecno, a record deal with a reputable label that will include a video shoot, a year’s supply of WAW detergent, and a fully installed DStv Explora with a one-year Premium subscription.

When the program returns in 2021, Victory Gbakara will become a member of the exclusive group of victors that have emerged. Victory will now be regarded as a talented alumnus alongside Kingdom Kroseide, who won the championship in 2021, and Progress Chukwuyem, who brought home the prize only last year.

Victory Gbakara has always been a star, and one could sense his potential even at the audition stage, one of the judges named Obi-Asika noted in reference to Victory’s performances during the entire season. We, the judges, are pleased with how he developed during the contest and won the tournament.

According to John Ugbe, CEO of MultiChoice West Africa, “Nigerian Idol has developed into a formidable platform for investing in the Nigerian entertainment sector and has turned into a vehicle for aspirant outstanding singers who may build a name for themselves. We must carefully consider the industry’s trajectory and how young Nigerians will contribute to that future because it is predicted to reach $14.82 billion by 2025.

“Nigeria is filled with creative talent and music that can change the world, and we are happy to play a part in helping thousands of people all throughout the country realize their dreams. We have a stake in achieving much more.

Three judges – music executive Obi Asika, singer-songwriter Simi, and award-winning musician D’banj – were present for the 2023 edition, which was presented by well-known media personality IK Osakioduwa. Young, up-and-coming artists in Nigeria have used Nigerian Idol as a launching pad for their musical careers ever since it began in 2011.

Nigerian Idol has evolved from being merely an entertaining program to a key indicator of trends within the African music industry as well as a strategic investment in the industry, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to reach an audience, tap into fame, and eventually achieve commercial success.

Victory expressed his gratitude to the show’s producers and audience, despite the fact that he was still in shock about his victory. I’m so ecstatic, he exclaimed. Guys, I’m just ecstatic. Without the love and support of my family, friends, and particularly my great fans, this trip would not have been possible and has been a life-changing experience.

Multichoice’s Head of material and West Africa Channels, Dr. Busola Tejumola, comments on the grand finale: “At Multichoice, we are extremely deliberate about what our material can achieve for our audience and the community at large.

Beyond just being entertaining, Nigerian Idol serves as a driver of economic development and a means of enhancing lives. We are proud to support Victory Gbakara on her path.

The Nigerian music business benefits commercially and via talent development as a result of Nigerian Idol. Music, a fast expanding segment of the entertainment industry, has improved public perception of Nigeria and given the country a positive image.

As more artists like Victory Gbakara continue to make excellent music that may draw listeners from across the world, it also makes a substantial contribution to the nation’s GDP and is anticipated to grow. Nigeria’s music income increased from 26 million US dollars in 2014 to 34 million US dollars in 2018, and by 2023, Statista projects that it will reach 44 million US dollars.

By offering employment to hundreds of production staff, stylists, makeup artists, and other musicians on the show, MultiChoice Nigeria, through Nigerian Idol and other music programs and channels, aids in the sector’s expansion.

The top 10 contestants, including the Grammy-winning singer Simi, the ballad king Johnny Drille, the star on the rise Fave, and the winner of Nigerian Idol season 7 Progress, all sang during the grand finale.

Tecno Mobile and Bigi Drinks sponsored Season 8 of Nigerian Idol.