Project Fame 8 academy kicks off in grand style Follow @Hitbizafrika

Project-Fame kicks off with gala night

Last Saturday, top-notch entertainment personalities and the media were part of the crowd that gathered at the Ultima Studio in Lekki for the opening gala of MTN Project Fame Season 8 where fourteen contestants were unveiled for the academy which took effect thereafter.

It was an occasion that lived up to its billing as the crowd were thrilled to electrifying performances from the past winners of the competition, including Iyanya, Monica, Chidinma, amongst others.

The hosts of the Reality TV show, suave actor Joseph Benjamin and Bolanle Olukanni didn’t disappoint either as they dished out their special dose of presentation. They also used the opportunity to premiere Champion music video which was performed by Season 7 finalists, written by Cobhams Asuquo.

The top 18 contestants for this year’s season stepped out to get the judges’ verdict. The twelve of the contestants got admitted into the academy based on their excellent performances during the regional auditions, while the remaining six comprising of Deinde, Jacqueline, Anderson, Henry, Dipo and Mide were asked to mount the stage to entertain the audience one last time in order to convince the judges that they have something to offer.

The performance

Some of the contestants made a good job of the opportunity while others failed to impress the judges. Jacqueline performed Anita Baker’s Caught up in the rapture, while Henry did Phil Collins Another day in paradise. Dipo’s delivery of Josh Groban’s You raised me up won over the audience, all thanks to his unique baritone voice.

Anderson’s brilliant performance of Elton John Circle of lifewas electrifying. He was given a standing ovation by the audience, as he reached high notes with his convincing voice. Deinde performed Stand by me by Ben E.King while Mide performed John Legend’s This time

Moment of truth

The judges decided to bring Deinde and Anderson into the academy, while Jacqueline, Dipo, Mide and Henry had to bow out of the competition. Fourteen contestants have been admitted into Project Fame Academy to contend for fame and fortune.

The take over

The past winners of Project fame West Africa took turns to dazzle the audience with their breathtaking performances. Geoffrey mounted the stage to perform his song Burst my brain, followed by Olawale who took the audience on a fun ride performing Jupa. Ayoola who was clad in a white agbadaperformed the gospel themed Ya go.

Thereafter, the petite Monica thrilled the audience to her bouncy performance. Dressed like an Igbo chief, I-Mike gave a wonderful rendition of his song-Adaure. The excitement was palpable when Chidinma came on stage. She performedKedike and Emi ni baller. Finally, Iyanya,the first winner of the competition mounted the stage to perform his hit song Gift.He wore a brown suit and serenaded the audience with his songs. Iyanya ended the show on a soaring note.