Finalists Timi and Omawumi will be pitted against each other in a spectacular finale to determine who will be crowned the Idol of West Africa. The winner will be awarded a recording contract from Sony/BMG Africa International, US$10,000 from Ecobank, a Kia Picanto from Dana Motors (Nigeria) and a 26" LCD TV and iPod from headline sponsor, Celtel.
Local versions of Idols have been broadcast to over 100 territories in Africa and the series remains number one in the US, resulting in award-winning stars like Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia and more recently Taylor Hicks.
Gavin Ritchie, Manager: Africa of Oracle Airtime Sales says, "Whilst we always believed West Africa Idols would be a break out success, we were most pleasantly surprised by the response, involvement and interaction of our viewers and the voting public.”
Idols West Africa's judges Nana Abrewa, Dan Foster and Dede Mabiaku believe that the series will have a positive influence on young musical talent throughout the region. Dede Mabiaku is quoted as saying “...[Idols West Africa] will bring a new focus to Africa, via West Africa to the world.” (source: Mnetafrica.co.za)
The public will decide the outcome of the very first Idols West Africa by voting for their favourite Idol by sending a text message to the voting line or at www.mnetafrica.com, and stand a chance to win US$10,000 simply for casting their vote.
