The Voice Nigeria 4: You are one singer in a million, Praiz tells John Akpos
That he was the last talent to perform didn’t stop him from shinning. The dog handler and canine enthusiast was simply irresistible. He sang A Great Big World’s Say Something, so passionately he got four chair turns and a standing ovation from all judges during the episode six and concluding episode for the blind auditions on the season four of the music reality TV show, the voice Nigeria. His name is John Akpos.
Deeply moved by the sterling performance, Coach Praiz couldn’t hide his emotions. He said: ‘‘Thank you for choosing to sing. You are one in a million, and your vocals are next to none. I’m a guy, but I got goosebumps while you were singing. You were so emotive.
‘I know what it means to be here; I know the pressures and I know the journey and what it takes. I think I have an advantage to lead you to where I think you deserve to be. I hope you see the value that this brings to you,’ the Coach assured.
29-year-old Akpos was truly the biggest revelation on the show at the weekend, and he couldn’t hide his joy when he revealed that despite all his other endeavours, music remains the centre of his life.
The show is sponsored by Nigeria’s premier financial powerhouse, FirstBank as part of its support for arts, entertainment and youth development.
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Talent Count
During the episode, Niyola got four talents, while Waje and Naeto C got two each. Praiz got the best for the day to make up his team of 12 talents like others.
At the end, 48 talents have emerged on the show and ready to proceed for the big prize. The four teams are now set to chase the grand prize.
Other Champions
Ogun State-born Love Babatunde opened the show with her performance of Hard Place’s HER. The 23-year-old public relations professional was applauded for her powerful voice and outstanding texture by Niyola after she, Praiz and rapper Naeto C had turned for the talent who started her singing career from the church.
For 37-year-old Chemical Engineer, Stephen Onochi, music comes naturally everywhere even on engineering field to the surprise of his colleagues. Having encountered music at the tender age of eleven, he could not just stop despite his engineering career.
His delivery of ColdPlay’s Fix You got Praiz and Waje mesmerised. Praiz was full of praise for the contestant’s unique tone and promised to hold his hands and take him to glory. Waje also described his range as that of popular American musician Seal, and will transcend generations. He joined team Waje.
Delta-born Jennifer Afolo has enjoyed mom and younger sister’s generous support. She described her music as calm, sweet and soothing sound. Though the talent who has worked with a popular music band in Lagos until recently would have preferred to work with Waje she settled for Naeto C when the ten over ten crooner and Niyola were the only ones who turned for her following her beautiful rendition of Halo by Beyonce.
When 18-year-old Somachi Obiora, the youngest contestant ever on the show performed Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, only Niyola found her truly worthy. Niyola was also the only one who saw the giant in 25-year-old Stella Ameloko after she sang Chandelier by Sia.
25-year-old Busayo Fapohunda, a fine artiste was greatly influenced by his retired military dad’s vibe to vintage old songs. He had also enjoyed tremendous support from family and friends. His Afro-pop performance of Monalisa by Lojay got Naeto, Waje, and Niyola’s attention. Described as a fantastic performer, great personality and energetic singer, he opted for Waje.
Adeola oladipupo is a promising artiste. With a fantastic range and unique tone, the 24-year-old delivered Rihanna’s What Now and got Niyola, Waje and Naeto C hooked. The talent then settled for the rapper. Stunned by the acceptance, she broke down in tears.
Chiemerie Onyewuotu, an admin assistant still mourns his late pianist brother who influenced and encouraged him a lot to pursue music. Little wonders he dedicated his performance of Sam Smith’s Stay With Me to the late brother. He was good enough for Niyola.
What Next?
Emotions are charged and expectations are high for what next as the Blind Auditions end with episode six.
Folake Ani-Mumuney, FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications said FirstBank has given voice to Nigerians for the past 128 years, and will continue to give voice to Nigerians by creating employment, economic empowerment in the country through its products, services and initiatives and it remains committed to strengthening the creative industry which is fast-growing into a multibillion-dollar business, with potential to be a leading contributor to Nigeria’s GDP in the near future.
