Lets Start Right away.


NEWS
After weeks of auditions across major cities in West Africa, in search of the next set of music diamonds in the rough that will be polished to stardom, the Project Fame West Africa Season 9 Academy opened its doors to receive fourteen contestants for the new season. The unveiling of these lucky ones took place at the Opening Gala which was held at Ultima studios, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos on Saturday, July 23rd, 2016.

Twelve out of the final eighteen contestants who hoped to get the baton from Jeff got express entry from the Judges. Hence, Eli, Oluchi, Gabriel, Winner, Elizabeth, Yusuph, Pere, Mirabel, Dapo, Solomon, Okiemute, and Favour went straight into the Academy.

However, Benjamin, Blessing, Kitay, Kissi, Seun, and Steve had to practically battle their way into the competition as they were required to perform again to get their admission. In the end, Kitay and Steve made it in as they both gave everyone a stunning show.

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, one of them can be called back into the race.

So West Africa, the journey into fame and fortune has fully begun for these fourteen 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.

Winner: N5 Million, a brand new SUV, and a recording contract worth millions of Naira.

You can keep up with this season on TV and on www.projectfamewestafrica.com

Project Fame…whatta feeling!

Hosts (2)


Joseph Benjamin (also known as Joeben) is a multiple-award winning actor in the Nollywood industry. Over the years, Joeben has grown into a household name across Africa. Joseph’s role as Project Fame West Africa co-host in the past eight years is unrivalled.

He started out as a child star in the famed Nigerian TV Programme “Tales by Moonlight” and now he is one of the most sought after male leads for movie productions, especially in New Nollywood. His filmography includes the popular Super Story (2007), Torn (2012), Boxing Day (2015), to name but a few. Also as a voice-over artiste, Joseph has been the voice behind major campaigns locally and internationally; and as a model, he started out in 1995.


Bolanle began her presenting career with Moment with Mo, now called 'Moments.' She still co-hosts the show alongside Toke Makinwa and Michelle Dede on EbonyLife TV.

Though raised in Nigeria, Israel, Kenya and America, Bolanle Olukanni finds there is no place like home, here in Nigeria and is very proud of her home State- Osun. She obviously seems to be taking after her Diplomat dad who has also practised as a Communication expert. While he encourages his children to pursue their dreams, their mother on the other hand, the ultimate Christian mother, makes sure that while her children pursue their dreams, they don’t lose the fear of God.

As against the norm in the previous years, we now have 2 judges in place of 3 or 4. Late Nomoreloss used to be a judge, Kwame as well and until this year, Ade bantu

Judges (2)


Tee-y Mix is one of the leading producers in the Nigerian music industry. His production journey began in the 90s having learned to play the piano and drums.

He’s produced several hits that has gotten Nigerians and the whole continent dancing. Some of these hits include Naeto C’s ‘Tony Montana’ and ‘Kini big deal’, Sound Sultan’s ‘Natural something’ and 9ice’s ‘3310’.



Bibie, born in Accra, Ghana as Béatrice Adjorkor Anyankor on January 9, 1957 is a singer, famous for her 1985 hit "Tout doucement".

As a well-travelled child, due to her fathers Ghanain diplomatic staus, Bibie decided to devote herself to singing, to the detriment of her studies.

After moving to Paris she released her debut song "Tout doucement" written by the famous french composer Jogn Paul Dréau, which became a huge success in 1985, reaching number two in France. Certified Gold disc, the song was covered by Dalida in Italian and by Bibie herself in the English language. After another successful hit from Bibie, "J'veux pas savoir" which made number 6 in the French charts, she released the song "Tout simplement" in 1985, but was not able to repeat the same feat.

Now, Lets meet the contestants/

Note also, we are having 14 of them as against the usual 15 or 16


Okiemute Ighorodje

Okiemute is a 25 year old Linguistics & Communications graduate from University of Port Harcourt. With a contagious smile and a bubbly spirit, it is very easy to believe the Delta born singer when she describes herself as a fun-loving individual.

Okiemute used to have a career in modeling, but lately she is following her passion as a band lead singer.



Solomon Williams

Solomon is a 27 year oldmusic lover from Lagos State. He has a BSc in Accounting from University of Abuja and loves to live life to the fullest because in his words ‘You only live once”.

Born into a strict Christian home, Solomon grew up, singing in church. As the only male child among three sisters, Solomon enjoys cooking and singing with his sisters. His other hobbies include playing video games and watching football.


Oluchi Obasi

Oluchi can simply be described as an amiable bespectacled chic. The 24 year old Abia Sate indigene is 6th child among seven children. She studied Music at the Lagos State University.

Oluchi started singing in church at a very young age; she was also a member of the choir in secondary school. She loves listening to Asa and Adele.


Pere Davies Atie

26 year old Pere would make you realize he is in the competition to win at every opportunity he has to sing. Though born and raised in Lagos, Pere moved to Bayelsa State Nigeria immediately after secondary school.
He is currently a 300 Level Political Science student at the Niger Delta University, and seems to be an internet sensation with quite a huge social media followership and a number of cover songs on YouTube.

Contestants cont.........


Eli Letsa

22year old Eli is currently studying Fashion Designing in Ghana. He grew up in a house where they enjoy listening to music. He holds his family and pastor dearly and would miss them greatly while in the Academy.


Steve Adebayo

Steve is a 19 year old school teacher. He teaches diction and phonetics in a primary school, a choice of career which was greatly influenced by his love for children and the English language.

Steve who hails from Ogun state says he is from a family of singers, hence music started from home before he went on to join the children choir in church.


Winner Egbo

Winner is a 23 year old singer from Delta state who started singing from the age of four in church.
Though she grew up among a family of six, Winner particularly shares a strong bond with her mum, whom she admits has been through a lot with her; and would miss greatly while in the Academy.


Yusuph Kuforiji

You cannot miss Yusuph among the pack. Not only because of his voice, his Fuji blend of music or his bubbly personality but also because of his haircut.

19 years old Yusuph believes he needs to stand out with his looks and never go unnoticed, hence this interesting haircut. He sees the lower part of the hair as where he is now and the upper part as where he is going.


Oladapo Arogundade

18 year old Dapo is a Systems Engineering undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka. His interest in music started at the age of seven when he began following his mum to choir rehearsals; and he became sure of his talent having repeatedly won a music competition in secondary school.

Contestants cont.........


Elizabeth Emoruwa

She is fondly referred to by friends and family asElbe- short form of Elizabeth coined by the damsel herself. This 24 year old was forced to grow up after the demise of her loving and doting dad. As the last child of the house, she enjoyed attention from her dad until his death in 2013.

Very early in life, her Dad introduced every member of her family to music, got them musical instruments, hence she sees him as her first musical influence.



Favour Koroma

22 year old Favour will endear your heart with her smile. She has a Sierra Leonean dad who is a musician and a Nigerian mum – a dancer. She was born, bred and currently lives in Egbeda, Lagos with her family.

She had her high school education at the Campus Comprehensive College. Her dad’s musical influence has rubbed off on the family as she has a brother who plays the Piano while the others are vocalists.


Gabriel Ankrah

Gabriel is fondly called Gabby by his friends. The 27 year old school teacher who is from Accra loves God, music, and children. Being an only child, Gabriel is very close to his Dad whom he said taught him almost everything, cooking, especially. Also, because he is an only child, Gabriel hopes to have six children, so he can make up for the large family experience he didn’t have.


Kitay Okotete

Kitay describes himself as a ‘confirm Warri boy!’ He was born, raised, and had his Primary and Secondary school education in Warri, Delta state before proceeding to Ambrose Alli University in Edo state where he is currently a 300 Level student of the Vocation & Technical Studies department.


Mirabel Ayavoro

Mirabel hails from Delta state and is a graduate of Babcock Business School.

Asides her love for music, the 21 year old is also into fashion designing, a craft that runs in her family. She is also a white belter in Karate. According to her, her interest in Karate was kindled through watching action movies.

Mirabel auditioned in Lagos. Although the competition is stiff, the music lover believes grace will single her out. She is looking forward to meeting and being trained by Uncle Ben in the Academy.

Hmmm

Lets Review what happened in the house from Monday Last week to Yesterday 31/7/2016

Academy Day 1; Joy Inexplicable. Featured
25,Jul 2016


Having beaten thousands of other hopefuls to get into the prestigious Project Fame West Africa Academy, it came as no surprise that the top fourteen contestants could hardly contain their joy when they stepped in. ‘Ahhhhhhhh’, they sighed in relief, their dream was finally beginning to come true, and they have now gone further up the staircase to stardom.

As they moved into the Academy after the Opening Gala, the contestants took some moments to settle into the new environment that will be their home for the next 9 weeks. They also quickly realized the need to appoint a leader that will ensure the establishment of law and order in the Academy. After an election was conducted, Gabriel emerged the Academy captain, while Winner will be his assistant.

After the election into offices, in came the General himself, Uncle Ben- the Music Director. He gave each contestant their songs for the upcoming gala shows for the weekend, after which he set out to commence the rehearsals. Uncle Ben thought his first rehearsal with the contestants ahead of the weekend would be a smooth one, until he made an overwhelming discovery.

Academy Day 2; Contestants Meet Mummy J & Ms. Ige. Featured
26,Jul 2016
Written by Admin

The Project Fame Academy Faculty is made up of four people who play pivotal roles in the development of contestants-The Principal, Music director, Voice coach, and the Choreographer.

Yesterday, the contestants had their first class with Uncle Ben, the music director. Today, they got to meet Mummy J (Principal) and Ms. Ige (Voice coach).

In what was their first class with Mummy J, introductions were made, after which the contestants were asked what their biggest ambition/dreams are. Mummy J said she was very pleased with the fact that they all had one thing in common; they ultimately want to leave their footprints in the sand of time.

Although Mummy J mentioned in her class that the first rule of engagement in the Academy is to never keep the teacher waiting, it seemed not all the contestants took note of it as they were not in class when the Voice coach- Ms. Ige came in. She however let it slide and went on to have an interesting voice training session with them.

Mummy J and Ms. Ige’s classes were not all there was to the day, the spotlight was turned on Dapo and Yusuph.

Academy Day 3; Unique Identities Featured
27,Jul 2016


The contestants seems to have fully settled in to their new environment- the Academy and of course with one another. Mummy J's class was a very interesting one as they were asked to tell stories behind the origin of their names individually, as well as mention who their music legend is.

Many of the contestants had a lot to say as to how their names came about especially Winner. Mummy J encouraged them to have African role models and celebrate artists from their own country as much as the foreign artists.

Winner’s boldness while narrating the story behind her name, however, disappeared with the presence of the Music Instructor, Uncle Ben as she felt nervous to sing in front of him during rehearsals, this same effect he has on all the other contestants.

Mirabel finds out the true meaning of the saying ‘No pain; No gain’

Academy Day 4; A Sneak Peek Into The Weekend. Featured
28,Jul 2016


The weekend is already looking good, we hope you will agree with us by the time you watch today’s episode. The contestants had a comprehensive session with Ms. Ige today as they each rehearsed their songs for the upcoming gala shows because auditions are over, and the show will fully kick off this weekend.



Recall that for majority of them, this weekend will mark their first opportunity to have a real taste of what stage performance is like, as they will be singing not to just to impress the Judges, but to also entertain the viewers, and to win as many fans as possible over.

In order to achieve their goals, the contestants must not rely on vocal abilities alone because a good performance is a perfect combination of suave stage presence and a good voice.

The Academy choreographer Ms. Lovette demonstrated this to them and gave them ample tips.

Overall, the contestants’ performances are beginning to take good shape.

Academy Day 5; Lesson On Emotions. Featured
29,Jul 2016


Yesterday, the contestants learnt the importance of mastering the art of stage performance, a vital ingredient that will complement their vocal prowess.

Today, the lessons are taken a notch higher as Mummy J spoke to them extensively on how to infuse the right emotions into their performances.

She stressed that emoting is the bridge that connects performers to their audience. “Let your performer persona inhabit the emotion that is necessary to give a good performance” Mummy J said during the practical session.

Mummy J’s class and indeed the other Faculty members’ classes have one major aim- to ensure that the contestants put their A-game on at the upcoming gala shows. To find out how much of these lessons they have imbibed, we asked these contestants how ready they are for the weekend, what areas they have identified they should work on, and more.

Click Day 5 to find out what they had to say about all these.

Praiz Resumes Judge Duty On Contestants’ 1st Night Of Performances. Featured
30,Jul 2016
Written by Admin

The night featured a beautiful selection of various genres of music. From blues, to soul music, reggae, and afro-pop, the contestants put up an enthralling show.

Coupled with the amazing performances, the unveiling of Praiz (Season 1, 2nd-runner up) as the new addition to the show’s panel of Judges was another major icing on the cake which came as a pleasant surprise to everyone.

After Praiz took his seat as a Judge, having been introduced by the hosts amid resounding applause, the 14 contestants then took to the stage one after the other to prove to the audience and indeed West Africa and beyond that their first week in the Academy had been spent judiciously.

In the end, even the Judges attested to the fact that the season was off on a good start. To end the evening, the new Judge, and RnB crooner- Praiz delivered a flawless performance of his song- If I fall.

Below is a list of the songs the contestants’ performed.
Contestant Song
Winner ‘Stand by your side’ by Celine Dion
Eli ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ by Elton John
Kitay ‘Time to grow’ by Lemar.
Dapo ‘Jealous’ by Labrinth
Solomon ‘Crawl’ by Chris Brown
Pere ‘How do you want to be remembered?’ by Magic
Okiemute ‘Ain’t no other man’ by Christina Aguilera
Elizabeth ‘Walking shoes’ by Mali Music
Gabriel ‘Three little birds’ by Bob Marley.
Favour ‘I will survive’ by Gloria Gaynor
Mirabel ‘What is love?’ Empire cast
Oluchi ‘Don’t break my heart’ by Cynthia Morgan
Steve ‘Refuge’ by John Legend
Yusuph ‘Katapot’ by Reekado Banks

Nomination Night 1; A Night Of R n B & Soul Music. Featured
31,Jul 2016


On their first night of performances, the top fourteen contestants performedwithout the fear of being on probation and the Judges forgave whatever imperfections some of their performances carried. However, the same will not be said of today’s show as four contestants who were not impressive enough landed on probation.

The evening saw the contestants serenading the audience with some of the finest songs from the R n B and soul genre. Some of the performances had the crowd cheering and applauding the contestants endlessly, while some even left the Judges speechless in admiration, but not all the contestants achieved these.

In the end, the Judges made the decision to place Dapo (3), Favour (6), Oluchi(12), and Yusuph(18) on probation.

Now West Africa, it is time to save your favourite of these four. To vote, send contestant’s voting number to 306 if you are in Nigeria and Liberia, if you are in Ghana, send voting number to 1745.

See below what happened last night on the show



List of songs:
Contestant Song
Mirabel ‘On my own’ by Whitney Houston
Dapo ‘More than words’ by Westlife
Gabriel ‘World’s greatest’ by R Kelly
Yusuph ‘I wanna know’ by Joe
Solomon ‘Pillow talk’ by Zayn Malik
Favour ‘Breathe again’ by Toni Braxton
Winner ‘Hello’ by Adele
Okiemute ‘Yoga’ by Janelle Monae
Oluchi ‘No’ by Meghan Trainor
Elizabeth ‘Daddy lessons’ by Beyonce
Eli ‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark ronson ft Bruno Mars
Steve ‘Everytime I close my eyes’ by Babyface
Kitay ‘I can’t feel my face’ by The Weeknd
Pere ‘Writings on the wall’ by Sam Smith

VOTING RULES

You can vote for your favourite contestant(s) on three easy to use platforms.

You can vote via:

1. SMS

2. Google (Online)

3. Project Fame website



1. VOTE VIA SMS

You can vote for your favourite contestant(s) by SMS using an MTN line if you are in Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia

ii. To vote, send contestant’s voting number to 306 if you are in Nigeria and Liberia. If you are in Ghana, send voting number to 1745

iii. Voting line opens weekly from 4P.M on Saturday of the current week to 3P.M on Friday of the following week

iv. You can vote as many times as you want within the voting period.



2. VOTE VIA GOOGLE

i. Sign in to your Google account

ii. Type any of these keywords in Google.com.ng or google.com.gh; Project fame, Project fame voting, Project Fame Vote, Project fame west africa, Project fame west africa vote, Project fame west africa voting to reveal the Project Fame Voting tab

iii. Click to vote for your favourite contestant.

iv. You can cast one or up to six votes per account daily

v. You can vote from anywhere in the world



NOTE: THE VOTING FEATURE WON'T WORK ON OPERA MINI BUT WORKS BEST ON CHROME BROWSER AND GOOGLE SEARCH APP.



3. VOTING VIA www.projectfamewestafrica.com

i. Click on the “Videos” tab on http://www.projectfamewestafrica.com. Click “Probation” to watch the performances of contestants on probation for the week under review

ii. Hit the vote button if you are impressed with your favourite contestant’s performance.

iii. You can cast up to six votes per day to save your favourite contestant on probation.

iv. You do not need to register to vote on the website

v. You can vote from anywhere in the world.



GENERAL VOTING RULES

i. You have to be 18 years old to vote

ii. Voting line opens weekly from 4P.M on Saturday of the current week to 3P.M on Friday of the following week

iii. Up to six contestants are put on probation every week. The contestant with the most votes across voting platforms (Online, Google, Project Fame Website) is saved by viewers, the Judges will save one contestant, the Faculty also save one and lastly the contestants not on probation will save one of the remaining contestants up for elimination

MTN Project Fame West Africa T.V SCHEDULE, Date and Time


S/NO Names of TV Stations Day Schedule Time Schedule
1. SKY 1 (For Breaking News)
2. TV3 (GHANA) ThursdaysSundays 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM,10:30 PM – 12:00 AM
3. NTA FridaySaturday

Sunday
11: 00 – 12:00 PM6:00 – 7:00 PM

4:30 – 6:00 PM
4. SOUND CITY Mon – FriSaturday (OMNIBUS SHOW)

Saturday

Sunday
7:30 – 8:00 PM1:00 – 2:00 PM

8:00 – 9:00PM

7:30 – 9:00PM
5. SILVER BIRD TELEVISION Mon – FriSaturday

Sunday
9:30 PM9:00 – 10.00 PM

8:30 – 10:00 PM
6. GETTV Mon – Fri (PF Extended)Saturday (OMNIBUS show)

Saturday (PF Yellow Carpet)

Saturday (Gala Show)

Sunday (Fame City)

Sunday (Gala Show)
10:00 – 12:00 PM9:00 – 11:30 AM

5:00 – 6:00PM

5:00 – 6:00PM

6:30 – 8:00 PM

6:30 – 8:00 PM
7. ONTV Mon-FriSaturday (OMNIBUS Show)

Saturday

Sunday
8:30 – 9:00PM2:00 – 3:00Pm

7:00 – 8:00PM

6:30 – 8:00PM