LAGOS/Nigeria: A nationwide talent competition backed by Bigi is offering student artistes an opportunity to win cash prizes while receiving career support as the brand takes its music and dance search to 20 campuses across Nigeria.
The Bigi X Fearless Soundcity On Tour combines online entries, campus auditions and regional contests, with successful contestants expected to compete at a grand finale in Abuja.
Biola Aransiola, Brand Manager, Bigi, a subsidiary of Rite Foods Ltd., disclosed details of the initiative during a media update in Lagos on Wednesday.
She said the competition was designed to identify promising young creatives early and give them opportunities to develop their talents beyond the university environment.
At each participating campus, five finalists will emerge from the auditions. The top three will receive ₦500,000, ₦350,000 and ₦150,000 respectively, while the campus winner advances to the regional competition.
The initiative also includes the Fearless Dance Challenge, providing students with an avenue to compete in dance while building confidence and gaining exposure.
Aransiola said the organisers wanted the initiative to go beyond conventional brand sponsorship by creating opportunities for young creatives to develop their abilities and pursue sustainable careers.
“We’re part of that journey from the beginning to the end,” she said.
She explained that aspiring music contestants enter the competition by downloading the designated song, recording their performance over its instrumental version and tagging Soundcity in their submissions.
Soundcity talent spotters review the entries and select contestants for the campus auditions.
The national winner, according to Aransiola, will receive two songs, a music video, media promotion and mentorship on managing the demands associated with fame. Selected contestants may also receive guidance from industry judges as the competition progresses.
The tour has already visited several tertiary institutions, including Pan-Atlantic University, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yaba College of Technology, the University of Lagos, the University of Uyo, the University of Calabar, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ibadan.
At the University of Lagos, about 25 emerging artistes performed alongside established acts including Qing Madi, Falz, Joeboy, Wande Coal and Mr P of P-Square.
The organisers said the initiative was intended to help young creatives gain practical experience, build confidence and develop the visibility needed to pursue opportunities in Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry.
