Benin City’s Finest Aspiring Artists Showcase Their Talent at a Spectacular Event, NxtUP Talent Hunt Hosted by Zadora Talks, Abayomi Diamond, and Elile Favour
Critic Circle, in collaboration with the Edo State Government and Edo Jobs, recently concluded the thrilling NxtUP Talent Hunt Season 1 Grand Finale, which showcased the extraordinary talent of young and aspiring artists in Edo State. Held at the esteemed Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, this event marked an unforgettable chapter in the pursuit of musical excellence.
At the onset, 15 contestants embarked on their journey, showcasing their prowess in the auditions. However, only 8 contestants succeeded in securing their spot in the grand finale, setting the stage for an exhilarating battle for the top prize. The final round witnessed intense competition among the top 5 contenders before the exceptional top 3 winners emerged.
The event garnered immense support from a stellar lineup of sponsors, each playing a vital role in fostering the dreams of these aspiring artists. The esteemed sponsors included:
- Sounds From The Other Side
- Chef Klema
- Luxury by Anna
- Litas Hub
- Boujee Scents
- OT Records
- Forever UP
- Deyina Events – Services
- TAH Entertainment – Services
- Edo State Film Festival, Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub & Edo Jobs
- Dave Unique Decoration
With the backing of these esteemed sponsors, the evening was graced by prominent personalities from the entertainment industry, including Hon. Daniel Uwadiae, Mr. Tosin Oluwafemi, Mo Fame, Mr. Victor MBA, and Mr. Teddy Obasohan (OT Records). The vibrant atmosphere was further enlivened by the pulsating beats of renowned DJs DJ Ching, Deejay Urch, and DJ OG.
The NxtUP Talent Hunt sought to discover and nurture genuine Nigerian artists, with a panel of esteemed judges consisting of creative directors and music specialists, including Yoma, Mr. Iniabasi “Stunna” INYANG, Mr. Ndidi, and Kidda X, who meticulously assessed each performance and selected the top contenders.
Founder of Critic Circle, Mr. Nelson Omorotionmwan also known as Big Man Critic, passionately shared the vision of the event with The Nigerian Observer. He emphasized the importance of identifying artists driven to pursue music professionally, providing them with a launchpad for their careers.
Throughout the event, the audience was treated to captivating dance choreography by God of Dance and delightful comic relief by Prophetic, adding extra flair to the electrifying atmosphere.
The musical performances of the eight finalists left everyone in awe, as their talent and dedication resonated with the spectators. The event featured a vibrant array of performances by artists such as Harry Carter, Milly K, King Efexx, Billy BTG, Clido, Owizzy, Rex Borz, Archermanny, Sl3x, Taeli Redd, Sabi Boy – Magiq, Dr. Karmma, saxophonist, flute player Precious, and many others, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The highlight of the night was the announcement of the three outstanding finalists. ThespianRazzy emerged as the well-deserved winner, claiming the prestigious title of NxtUP Talent Hunt Season 1 Champion. Notably, Zelda secured the first runner-up position, while Kaylah triumphantly seized the second runner-up spot.
The NxtUP Talent Hunt Season 1 Grand Finale showcased the abundance of talent that thrives in Edo State, with Critic Circle, the Edo State Government, and Edo Jobs playing a pivotal role in elevating the aspirations of these talented artists.
This event which also conveyed its excellence as documented by Director Blvck through series of videos and pictures, has set an impressive precedent for future talent hunts, celebrating and nurturing the artistic brilliance of Nigeria’s future stars.
