Ekiti University Student Wins Regional Finals in Airtel One Mic Show

Alalade Ololade, an undergraduate of Ekiti State University (EKSU), has emerged winner of the West Regional finals of “Airtel One Mic”; a talent-hunt show for tertiary institutions created by leading telecom service provider, Airtel Nigeria.

Ololade, a 200 level Psychology student popularly called ‘Jay Dreamz’ outshone five other zonal finalists, who participated in the keenly-contested regional final to win the star prize, a brand new KIA Picanto. In addition, he was also rewarded with a full artiste makeover and recording deal.

He was adjudged winner by a comprised by the trio of ID Cabasa, Reminisce and Black Magic who were the judges for the competition which  held in  Ilorin, Kwara State.

The six finalists comprised two representatives each from University of Ibadan, Ekiti State University and University of Ilorin, the institutions grouped under the West Region of the competition.

University of Ibadan was represented by Baba Shamang Stephen, aka ‘Baba Shamang’, a 300 level Classical Studies student and, Bukola Ogunbodede aka ‘Zorah, a 400 level Theatre Arts Student while Ekiti State University was represented by the eventual winner, Alalade Ololade and Adekanye Ayodeji, aka ‘Zoko’, a 200 level Philosophy student.

The duo of Adebisi Babatunde, aka ‘Tundex Mania’ and Farounbi Benjamin nicknamed ‘Hil,’ both students of Performing Arts in University of Ilorin completed the list of finalists.

The contestants were assessed in terms of creativity, lyrics, punch line, appearance, stage performance and connection with crowd during the freestyle, acapella and studio recorded track performance, but the verdict of the judges showed that Jay Dreamz stood out among others finalists.

Segun Aderinokun, Airtel Nigeria’s Head, Youth Segment, and Ekundayo Fatoki, Zonal Business Manager, West, congratulated Jay Dreamz and presented him with the keys to his prize, a Kia Picanto.

An elated Jay Dreamz said: “I feel humble and happy to represent my school here today and to be the champion of the West Regional finals. I thank all my supporters and the greatest thanks to Airtel Nigeria for creating this opportunity for Nigerians students who have music talent to develop their career”.

“Airtel One Mic is a brilliant initiative created to discover, support and empower youths across Nigerian tertiary institutions. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to be in the midst of stars like Black Magic, Reminisce and a music producer like ID Cabasa. One again, I say big thanks to the most student-friendly network, Airtel.”

The event was well-attended by students from the participating institutions with the highpoint being the performance by Black Magic and Reminisce who thrilled the audience with some of their popular tracks.

A few weeks ago, Olatunji Oladotun Alade, aka ‘Dotman’, an undergraduate of the University of Lagos, emerged winner of the Lagos regional finals.

The East regional finals involving University of Calabar, Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Enugu and University of Port Harcourt will hold on December 6 at the Dizney Hall, Behind Habitat Hotel, Off Uniport, Choba, Port Harcourt.

The North regional final which has contestants drawn from University of Abuja, Nasarawa State University and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria will hold a week later at the Tiffany Garden, beside Ero Waters in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The Airtel One Mic initiative is aimed at discovering and promoting musical talent from tertiary institutions in Nigeria, in line with the company’s commitment to consistently encourage and empower Nigerian youths towards achieving their dreams through various identified passion points.