Broadcasting
Kingdom Emerges Winner of Nigerian Idol Season 6 in Pulsating Finale
The sixth season of Nigeria’s biggest music reality show, Nigerian Idol, came to an epic end on Sunday with Kingdom Kroseide emerging as the “Nigerian Idol’’ after months of intense musical contest involving over 3000 hopefuls from across the country, and over 16 million votes recorded at the finale.
Kingdom, Francis, Akunna, Comfort, and Faith Jason were the top 5 from the 11 who made it to the live shows from the audition stages.
The competition evolved from the final 5 to the last 2 contestants – Kingdom and Francis – who battled it out on Sunday in a keenly contested affair that saw Kingdom emerge the eventual winner.
The finale night also witnessed performances from some of the biggest acts in Nigeria including Mavin’s newest signee, Ayra Starr who performed her song “Away”; award-winning singer Patoranking who performed his new hit “Celebrate Me”. RnB star, Chike joined Francis Atela on stage for a breathtaking duet of the former’s song, “Roju”. While Kingdom and superstar producer Cobhams Asuquo came together for yet another beautiful performance.
Kingdom’s win further emphasizes his musical talent, which he has displayed from the auditions to the live shows, where he constantly wowed the judges with his flawless performances. Kingdom did just enough at the finale to edge out Francis who has equally been a standout contestant all season.
Reacting to his win, a very emotional Kingdom said,‘’My grandma used to say one day you’ll be very great. And then she died.
And I almost gave up. But I want to thank the judges for believing in me and my fellow contestants for pushing me.”
Commenting on Kingdom’s emergence as the winner of Nigerian Idol season 6, John Ugbe, ceo of MultiChoice Nigeria, said, “We are proud of what Kingdom has achieved on the show. His emergence as the winner is a testament of how much great talent abounds in Nigeria.
“For us at MultiChoice, we are committed to helping talent like Kingdom, as well as other contestants that participated, reach their potential and also launch them to a much bigger audience.”
Kingdom, a Computer Science and Informatics student at Federal University, Otuoke, and a music teacher, walks away with a recording deal of a six track EP, with music video shoots for three of the songs, and over 50 million Naira worth of prizes, which include a N30 million cash prize and a brand new SUV.
Broadcasting
NERC Discloses $5.7 Million Debt Owed by International Customers for Q3 2024 Electricity Supply
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that international customers owe $5.7 million for electricity supplied in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The debtors include Paras-SBEE and Transcorp-SBEE from the Benin Republic, Mainstream-NIGELEC from Niger, and Odukpani-CEET from Togo.
Under an international treaty, Nigeria exports electricity to neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger.
In its latest quarterly report, NERC stated that market operators (MO) issued invoices totaling $12.19 million to six international firms for services rendered in Q3, out of which $6.49 million was paid.
“In 2024/Q3, the six (6) international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $6.49 million against the $12.19 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3,” the report said.
“Similarly, the domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of ₦1,566.51 million against the ₦2,100.79 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3.”
NERC highlighted that some bilateral customers—both domestic and international—made payments in Q3 2024 to settle outstanding invoices from previous quarters. “Odukpani-CEET made a payment of $1.33 million towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters,” the report revealed.
“Similarly, the MO received ₦31.51 million from the domestic bilateral customers (North-South/Star Pipe; ₦9.50 million and Trans-Amadi (OAU/FMPI); ₦22.01 million) towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters.”
However, NERC noted that its special customer, Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd, along with the host community, failed to make any payments towards the ₦1.26 billion (NBET) and ₦0.11 billion (MO) invoices received in Q3 2024.
“This continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer, and the Commission has communicated the need for intervention on this issue to the relevant FGN authorities,” the commission said, warning that continued non-payment could lead to total disconnection from the national grid.
In September, Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE) for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).
By December, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, announced plans to commence the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
Broadcasting
QNET Collaborates with Lagos Food Bank to Aid Vulnerable Children
QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to nutrition and hunger relief, to provide nutritious food and gifts to 1,000 vulnerable children in Makoko, Lagos.
This initiative is part of QNET’s end-of-year social impact activities.
Supported by QNET’s legal partner, Transblue Limited, the project is part of LFBI’s Education Enhancement Intervention for Food Insecure Students (EDUFOOD) program that addresses malnutrition and food insecurity among underserved students by providing healthy meals and essential educational resources.
A report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence rate of 32% among children under five.
Furthermore, an estimated 2 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Guided by our principle – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM), we believe that education and good health for children are the cornerstones of a thriving society.
Partnering with LFBI allows us to make a tangible impact on vulnerable children’s lives, reflecting our mission to empower youths and improve communities.”
Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, shared his thoughts: “This collaboration not only addresses food insecurity but also brings joy to young hearts, allowing them to truly experience the spirit of Christmas. Together, we are fostering hope, joy, and a brighter future fo r all.”
Michael Sunbola, Executive Director of LFBI, expressed gratitude for the partnership:“QNET’s support empowers us to reach even more children during this season of celebration, improving their health and unlocking their potential. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter future.”
The partnership underscores QNET’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Quality Education (SDG 4).
Broadcasting
Spotify’s ‘Detty December’ Hub and Spotify’s ‘Songs of December’ now live
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa.
The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season.
Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike.
The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’.
This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent.
Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu.
“We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
- Telecom1 day ago
Airtel Africa to Return $100m to Shareholders via Share Buyback
- Telecom2 days ago
From Niche App to Global Giant: TikTok’s Controversial Journey
- Telecom2 days ago
Group Advocates for Digital Rights at 2024 Internet Governance Forum
- Broadcasting2 days ago
Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony
- E-Financial2 days ago
CBN Permits BDC Operators to Buy FX from NAFEM During Festive Season
- Telecom2 days ago
Patricia Technologies Begins Repayments to Customers Affected by 2022 Security Breach
- News1 day ago
Egueke, Former Bank Manager Jailed for $46,900 Fraud
- Broadcasting1 day ago
Africa Magic Announces Call for Entries for 11th AMVCA