Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Iyanya, has taken a reflective walk down memory lane, recounting how his journey into stardom began with the very talent show he now serves as a judge, Nigerian Idol.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, the “Kukere” crooner revealed that he was selected during the inaugural auditions of Nigerian Idol, held in Calabar, Cross River State. Interestingly, he wasn’t the only one chosen fellow music star Omawumi, who would later become the first runner-up of the maiden edition in 2007, was also picked.
“Omawumi and I were the only ones picked at the Calabar Nigerian Idol auditions,” Iyanya recalled.
However, his Nigerian Idol dream was cut short due to academic commitments. The singer disclosed that he had to forgo the competition’s finals as it clashed with his final year examinations at the university.
“I couldn’t make it. I had my final year exam,” he said.
But fate had even bigger plans. Just a year later, Iyanya bounced back into the limelight when he emerged as the winner of the very first edition of Project Fame West Africa, a victory that catapulted him into mainstream success.
Years down the line, life has come full circle for both Iyanya and Omawumi. From young hopefuls chasing a dream to industry veterans, they now sit side by side as co-judges on the ongoing season of Nigerian Idol, shaping the dreams of upcoming stars.
“A year later, I won Project Fame. Today, we’re both judges on Nigerian Idol,” he added, visibly nostalgic and proud.
Iyanya’s story is a testament to perseverance, timing, and the unpredictable journey to greatness, proof that sometimes, delayed dreams lead to even bigger destinies.
