Nigerian Idol contestants take on Nigerian music versus neo soul (PHOTOS)

by Rachel Ogbu

Debie Rise
Debie Rise

This week on Nigerian Idol, the song choices were from two genres: neo soul and recent Nigerian hits.

Judges Femi Kuti, Jeffrey Daniel and Yinka Davies, along with guest judge Mike Okri were in top form giving the contestants plenty of feedback.

The show also had a surprise guest; opera singer Abiodun Koya, who has performed for countless dignitaries, including former US President George W. Bush, and current US President Barack Obama.

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Contestant Debbie Rise picked Jill Scott’s ‘Golden’ and she mixed in a fuji break which paid off, however she was a bit shaky on her vocals. Mike told her, “Quite a wonderful performance…but there were some notes you weren’t hitting.”

Her Nigerian hit song was Bez’s ‘Stupid Song’. Jeffery told her “Come out like you are a star and control the stage!” Femi reiterated the point telling Debbie Rise, “You must come out like a winner!”

Safeeyat
Safeeyat

An official show review reads:For Safeeyat, she sang Maxwell’s ‘This Woman’s Work’ as her neo soul choice. While she was complimented on her clear vocals and the emotional impact that started the song, the judges were hoping for more of a climax. Mike told the singer, “It was wonderful, but you can do better.” Yinka gave her some tough advice, telling Safeeyat she needed to find away to inject emotion into her singing.

Her other song for the night was the catchy ‘ In the Music’, sung by Omawumi. Here she seemed more in her element, which was reflected in the comments offered by the judges. Femi told her, “You are where you should be,” while Jeffrey said, “One of your strongest performances…but when you let go, let go! Because you’ve got it.”

As the final man left in the competition, Moses had many expectations to live up to, and he did not disappoint. He started his night off singing Maxwell’s ‘Pretty Wings’. Mike was effusive in his praise telling the portly singer, “I can’t believe what you just did. You delivered.” Jeffrey was impressed with his growth throughout the competition saying, “You started in a lower register, and here you are stretching your vocals. That is the making of a superstar.”

His second performance saw him reach for the high notes, as he went local with Omawumi’s song dedicated to the everyman: ‘Today Na Today’. Femi told the Moses, “You have always been one of my favourites, and you are doing everything right tonight.” Jeffrey was impressed with his stage presence telling him that, “When you come out here you own thestage; you just grab us.”

Safeeyat A
Safeeyat A

 

Moses B
Moses B

 

Moses A
Moses A

 

Debie Rise
Debie Rise

 

 

 

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