Encomium
After weeks of auditions across West Africa in search of the next set of music diamonds that will be polished for stardom, the Project Fame Season 9 Academy opened its doors to 14 contestants for the new season. The unveiling of these lucky 14 contestants took place at the opening gala which was held at Ultima Studios, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on Saturday, July 23, 2016.
Although the atmosphere was laced with suspense as the contestants and audience held their breaths to know the verdict of the judges on the contestants who will get admitted into the Academy, and the ones who will drop out of the competition, still, the evening could boast of enough glitz, glam, and entertainment that no one will forget in a hurry.
One of such was Jeff’s electrifying performance, which again reminded us why West Africa thought he was the perfect head to wear the crown of Season 8 as its winner . He thrilled with his debut single titled Never let you go.
For the 18 contestants who hoped to get the baton from Jeff, the judges decided that 12 of them had fully convinced them that they deserved a spot each in the Academy, hence, Eli, Oluchi, Gabriel, Winner, Elizabeth, Yusuph, Pere, Mirabel, Dipo, Solomon, Okiemute, and Favour went straight in.
However, Benjamin, Blessing, Kitay, Kissi, Seun, and Steve had to perform again to get their admission. In the end, Kitay and Steve made it in. For Kissi, Seun, Benjamin, and Blessing, it was time to say goodbye- but not the final goodbye as they will automatically assume the Wild Card contestant positions. This means that with enough votes, they can be called back into the race.
So, West Africa, the journey into fame and fortune has fully begun for these 14 contestants. They will take center stage every week to entertain and serenade us, while the faculty and judges do their bits by nurturing the seeds of greatness in them.
Remember, the prizes to be won at the end of the season are as follows: 3rd runner-up: N2 million, 2nd runner-up: N2 million and a brand new saloon car, 1st runner-up: N3 million and a brand new saloon car and winner is N5 million, a brand new SUV, and a recording contract worth millions of naira.
