Entertainment
Victory Gbakara Wins Nigerian Idol 8, Claims ₦35M Cash Prize
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.
Entertainment
Regina Daniels Speaks Out On Children’s Welfare Amid Separation From Husband Ned Nwoko
Actress Regina Daniels has publicly expressed deep concern for the safety and welfare of her two sons, Prince Munir (Moon) and Prince Khalifa (Kharly), following her widely reported separation from her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.
In a message shared on her son’s school social media page, the actress commended the institution for its efforts and expressed pride in her son’s growth and achievements.
She also appealed to the school authorities to look after her children in her absence.
Regina described her son as the “blessed fruit of my womb,” assuring him of her unwavering prayers and constant watchfulness despite being away.
She wrote, “Oh my Moon! Blessed fruit of my womb! Mama is so proud! Grow in good health, my child! I will always watch and pray over you from afar. @LincolnAmericanAcademy I trust you to look after my babies well.”
Regina’s emotional statement came amid separation from estranged husband, Ned Nwoko and difficulty in having access to their children.
In recent a interview, music icon 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) has addressed the widely reported 2025 London altercation with his new wife, Natasha Osawaru, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly.
The music star made the revelation during an appearance on the Mic On podcast, where he spoke honestly about lessons learned from difficult moments in his life and career.
According to the father of six, there are several situations he wishes he had approached differently, especially those shaped by emotional pressure and stress.
While speaking on the podcast, 2Baba also revisited a controversial incident in London involving a disagreement with his wife, Natasha Osawaru, which led to his arrest in October 2025.
The singer took responsibility for the episode, admitting that his reaction at the time was fueled by anger.
“I was angry that day. It was an unfortunate incident,” the singer said.
He explained that managing personal challenges alongside public life has not always been easy, adding that some experiences have pushed him to reassess how he handles conflict and pressure.
The award-winning artiste further noted that emotional strain can sometimes cloud judgment, stressing that he now understands the importance of responding more carefully in tense situations.
“There are so many things I wish I could rewind and do better. As a human being, there are times when you are overwhelmed or don’t make the best decisions. My thick-skin is weaker now,” he said.
2Baba added that these life experiences have left him more reflective, teaching him valuable lessons about accountability, emotional control, and personal growth.
Actor Yul Edochie has clarified that his decision to stop posting photos of his children with his estranged wife, May Edochie, is not due to estrangement but due to a legal mandate.
Speaking in a recent interview on the KaaTruths podcast, Yul said he maintains regular contact with his children and continues to support them financially, including covering aspects of their university education.
“I am in contact with my children. I have heard a lot of things. About people saying ‘he abandoned his children’. My second son just got into the university months ago. He just did his matriculation a few days back. Infact, he told me a day before time, and I told him I was busy. “The main issue is not on social media. I would rather not say anything. I don’t want to say my ex-wife did this, my ex-wife did that. Real men don’t tackle issues like that. It is all family stuff , nobody is perfect,” he said.
The actor attributed his silence on social media about his children to a court order related to his ongoing divorce case with May, citing their safety.
“There is also a court order. There is a divorce case going on. That is why I cannot really speak. It says anything that has to do with the children, for their own safety, I should not post,” he added.
Yul and May’s divorce proceedings, initiated in 2023, have been stalled over issues like marriage dissolution terms and adultery claims.
Yul married actress Judy Austin as his second wife in 2022, prompting May to file for divorce and seek N100 million in damages.
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