After two months of rigorous drills, excitement and tensions, Akeem Okiki from Akure, Ondo State has won the third edition of Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam music talent activation that had over ten thousand fans in attendance at the Trans Amusement park in Ibadan, Oyo State. Okiki – whose stage craft and renditions excited everyone at the event – will now wear the Wura 1 crown which comes with a cash reward of N750, 000.
Saheed Ishola, from Ota, grabbed N350, 000 as the first runners up prize, Opeyemi Akanbi, Arole Currency from Ibadan went home with N250, 000 as the second runner up after their battle of wits where other contestants also tested their mettle.
The five contestants who took part in the finals were, Akeem Okiki, Ishola Saheed, Yusuf Kehinde ( Ejire Performer), Idris Aloma and Opeyemi Akanbi (Arole Currency). The night kicked-off with Ewi rendition where the contestants took turns displaying their mastery of various Fuji theatrics to the admiration of the judges and the audience that thronged the venue of the event.
The high point of the event was the impressive performance by the International Fuji icons, Alhaji King Wasiu Ayinde, K1 and Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere aka PK1 who thrilled the fans with various hit songs to the admiration of the crowd who seem to want more from the two giants.
The night was also a gathering of the best of Fuji celebrities and respected Yoruba movie actors and comedians like Odunlade Adekola who acted as compere for the entire show; Sanyeri was a judge. Mr. Latin Bolaji Amusan and Kamilu Kompo, Adekola Tijani also made powerful appearances which gave the guests and fans the best that Fuji music had to offer. Alhaji SK Sensation, Antenna, the winner of the first edition of Fuji T’o Bam and other Ibadan based Fuji icons lent their full support to the event.
It would be recalled that Public Affairs Adviser Nigerian Breweries Plc, Kufre Ekanem had during the preliminary stages expressed great satisfaction over the huge turn-out of Fuji lovers and artistes. While explaining the rationale behind Goldberg’s Fuji T’o Bam initiative, he said, “Goldberg is a quality lager beer that celebrates consumers and their traditional values. Fuji music enjoys huge followership across Nigeria which has led the brand to provide the Fuji To Bam as one of the platforms to further engage and connect with our consumers.”
He also added that the programme was a worthwhile event. “The Goldberg brand believes that many parts of the country are endowed with talents in music yet to be discovered; and I believe that as the talent hunt contest moves progresses, Fuji T’o Bam will discover more Fuji talents that will become great music icons like KWAM1, Pasuma, Saheed Osupa and others.”
In his own comments, Brand Manager Goldberg, Bassey Mfon, stated that the brand believes that Nigeria has so much talent and this was shown in these contestants. “We will, as a brand, continue to connect with our consumers through what appeals to them and give desired satisfaction.” He further disclosed that Fuji T’o bam will continue to get bigger and reach out to more people in the next edition.
Akeem Okiki, who was amazed by the accolades of the fans fair in celebrating his new found fame, expressed happiness for winning the coveted talent hunt crown. “I really feel very happy today” he said, “It has been God all along. The competition was very challenging because there were many good Fuji talents who participated from the audition through to the final stage. I am delighted to have emerged as the Wura 1 of Fuji T’o Bam 2015. I will continue to represent Goldberg and Fuji at every level I find myself.”
He added that he will continue to work on his act as he prepares for the future which will be worth all the energy expended in participating in the competition.
Fuji T’o Bam is an indigenous music activation platform of Goldberg which has in the last two editions led to the discovery of budding Fuji talents.
