Where are the Top 8 from The Voice Nigeria 2016
The Voices of the Top 8 are prepping for more greatness.
Riding on the waves of nostalgia and television success is the first season of The Voice Nigeria. After 17 episodes and 16 contestants, it has returned to our screens, ready to glean new talent and fresh stars. But before we get fully invested in the new talent of the second season of the Voice Nigeria; we should catch up with the brightest stars from season one.
Words by Ehimenim Agweh
Locked down somewhere in fame and fortune are our faves from season 1. After undergoing rigorous training at the hands of the celebrity judges, Waje, Timi, Tuface and Patoranking, most of them branched out to pursue careers in music and acting. They even recorded a song together. The hearty ringing voices of the top 8 are very much at work and prepping for more greatness. Here’s the joint promotional single for season two.
FROM TEAM TIMI
Viveeyan
After giving the performance of a lifetime at her blind audition, Viveeyan got a spot under Timi Dakolo. Despite not making it to the finals, she still came out a winner. Viveeyan is currently pursuing a career in music and songwriting with three singles to her name. Here’s a snippet from one of her singles.
Cornel
Cornel of the booming vocal chords was a fan and judge favourite last year. His blind audition rendition of R Kelly’s ‘When a woman loves’ is probably even better than the original. He made it to the top 4 and left the second runner up. Despite not being very active in music at the moment, Cornel has a single, Smile Again with an accompanying video.
TEAM WAJE
Dewe
After The Voice Nigeria, Dewe’s sort of fallen into obscurity. But in his time on the show, he managed to hold his audience captive and keep votes coming in. Unfortunately, he wasn’t finals material and got evicted. Nevertheless, he persisted in the outside world with a single, :Love No Be Beans” and a life as a performer. Here’s some Dewe to whet your appetite.
A’rese
Everyone’s favourite baby girl, A’rese is doing well for herself away from the stage where she gained her fame. The first winner of the show, she has gone on to star in a few TV shows including Africa Magic hit, Jemeji and has released a song, Uwe No to cement her place as a multi-directional New Age performer. There’s also her debut single “Uwe No” which features Ladi Poe, adventurous stuff, if you ask us.
Nonso Bassey
Dreamy eyed Nonso gave his fellows a run for their cash as he claimed song after song as his own. He was the sexiest of all the season one contestants, taking on the hallmarks of black sexuality and transforming himself into an alternative sex symbol. He didn’t win but he is doing alright as an actor in the series, Battleground and featured in long time collaborator VJ Adams’ 2016 single “My dream”. Watch it here.
FROM TEAM 2FACE
Brenda
The Meryl Streep of The Voice Nigeria season one was the hipster Brenda who gave her all every episode. Brenda of the Broadway-like perfomances and big gestures was a hit with viewers and judges. Away from the spotlight of The Voice, she has a recording contract with Universal Music Group and a song, ‘Stand.’
FROM TEAM PATORANKING
Patrick
The namesake of the judge whose team he was in, Patrick can ready to grow and learn his way through. His consistent progress from unsure to confident gave him a fanbase ready to support him at every turn. These days, he’s pursuing his music career and making his coin as an Airtel Ambassador.
Chike
The dash and gleam of Chike the heartthrob can never be forgotten or surpassed on The Voice. All through the show, his looks and voice dragged girls to their TVs and phone just to watch his performances. Although an audience favourite for winner, he was named the first runner up to A’rese. Today, he is an actor on Africa Magic soap opera Battleground and took a stab at Jollof afropop with “Fancy U”.
Your top faves guys, let’s see what season two brings.
NATIVE PREMIERE: Tanika Is Stepping Out On Her Terms With The Kida Kudz-Assisted “FAST FWD”
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights...
Across a career that’s in its second decade, Tanika has proven to be a force in her own right, holding her own on collaborations with Black British stars like Stormzy and Wretch 32, as well as popular record producer Naughty Boy–working with the Grammy-nominated beatmaker on his acclaimed ‘Hotel Cabana’ album.
Following a stint as an actor, she returned to the studio in 2021, releasing a new extended play, ‘333,’ in 2023. The project carried all the hallmarks of Tanika at her tantalising best: lilting cadences, well-paced narratives, a songwriting that reaches for the heart of the matter.
On her latest song, “Fast Fwd,” she’s growing into her own and stepping into a new era. In many ways, “Fast Fwd,” a hypnotic, sultry anthem, is landing just in time for summer revelry. Produced by her longtime collaborator, Naughty Boy, her silky vocals land effortlessly on the mid-tempo instrumental and pulsates with her desire for her love interest.
Joined on the song by her fiancé, Kida Kudz, they make an interesting duo and replicate the synergy they had on “Nobody,” off Kudz’s 2021 ‘Top Memba.’ Distinctively marked by use of neon lights, the video for the song captures the effervescence of romance that Tanika hums about throughout the song.
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field to becoming a star with millions of streams, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights of superstardom. Ahead of the official release of the single, we had a brief chat with Tanika about her career, the influences for “Fast Fwd,” and working with KIda Kudz on it.
Her answers, which follow below, have been lightly edited for clarity.
How would you describe where you are in your career right now?
I’m just enjoying the journey.
What does the release of “Fast Fwd” signify for you?
It signifies love.
Why is Kida Kudz a fit for the song? (
To be honest, we didn’t plan to do another song together. I have worked on two records with him before (“Nobody” and “Tasty Time” ) but we never thought to shoot a video for it.. “Fast Fwd” felt like a real testimony of our present moment in the relationship.
You’ve worked extensively with Naughty Boy and he’s helped with “Fast Fwd,” what’s your relationship like and why does it work?
Naughty Boy knows me very well. We’ve known one another for over 10 years, so he knows what fits me musically. We gel. I think him knowing me and being a fan of Kida’s music made it all work. Naughty Boy does his listening before he makes a beat for you. A lot of producers don’t really understand the importance of knowing the artist musically but he does.
What were you aiming for with the video?
To be honest, I’m aiming for nothing. I’m just enjoying the journey. It’s been a very long road and I know I still have a long way to go.
Catch an exclusive view of “Fast Fwd” below.
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Fanti Carnival Returns to Lagos This Easter with a Vibrant Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Culture
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the...
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the streets of Lagos Island alive with colour, music, and culture. With roots dating back to 1890, the Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant cultural traditions, celebrating the deep ties between Nigeria and Brazil through a dynamic fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and modern creativity.
This year’s edition is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Robert Taylor Media and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos. Together, they aim to honour the legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community in Lagos — descendants of formerly enslaved returnees who shaped the city’s culture, religion, and architecture.
The carnival procession will kick off at 12:00 PM, starting from Old Defence Road and will end at the JK Randle Centre, with accreditation beginning at 10:00 AM. Attendees can expect a stunning showcase of traditional costumes, Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, and performances from local creatives reinterpreting heritage for a new generation.
Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling pageantry, the live performances, or the chance to connect with a rich cultural history, the Fanti Carnival is an unmissable event this Easter.
Tickets are now available, and more information can be found via the official Fanti Carnival website or their social platforms.
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Vlisco’s “The Garden Of Sisterhood” Campaign Comes To Life in New “MAYANGA” Video
A celebration of creativity and cultural
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanying music video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.
In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion.
In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said.
Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.
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