This independent panel of Judges will bring their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise to the Nigerian Idol judging table to carefully select the next Idol for the season.
Seyi Shay
The ‘Gimmie Love’ crooner is a real example of how to slay in every sense of the word. Seyi Shay has not only won numerous awards over the years in Nigeria, but her song ‘Murda’ charted in the top 10 countdown on the UK’s BBC 1xtra. Popularly known for being a trend-setting fashionista and an entertainment enthusiast, this chocolate diva has also led her talents to acting, making her acting debut in the film; ‘Lara and the Beat’. Nothing else perfectly explains the word ‘slay’.
Born in London on December 21, 1985, Seyi Shay, real name Deborah Oluwaseyi Joseph began her journey in the music universe at the age of six – and like a diva that she is, toured 13 major cities in Japan on her first music tour when she was just 15. Speaking of early boss moves, did you know that Seyi Shay was signed to Sony/Columbia under the management of Matthew Knowles (Beyoncé’s father), just before she continued her music journey in Nigeria? Thanks to this move, she became a permanent fixture on Nigerian music playlists and parties with her hit singles ‘Irawo’, ‘Yolo Yolo’, ‘Gimmie Love’, and Chairman’ amongst others. Oh, how could we forget the hit single ‘Gimmie Love’ (The Remix) featuring Teyana Taylor (originally featured Runtown), which was premiered on the Ebro Morning Show and attracted global acclaim and over one million streams in its first month of release? We love to see it!
Her unique personality and style are the reasons we’re not surprised Seyi Shay recently featured in Dionne Searcy of The New York Times’ novel; ‘In Pursuit of Disobedient Women’, where she was highlighted and written about as one of the most interesting women Dionne has ever met. Currently signed to Universal Music Publishing, France, and Aristokrat Music Publishing, we’re super elated to have Seyi Shay take her place on the Nigerian Idol judging panel this season and of course, see her turn aspiring talented musicians into superstar idols.
DJ Sose
His face is forever engraved in the minds of many – and we mean this in the literal form. The popular international deejay with the memorable face tattoos once said: “You only need to take one look at me to know I was born to be different” – and we couldn’t agree more.
Born to a musically gifted Nigerian Father and a Hungarian mother, DJ Sose, real name Thomas Omonkhogie Amar-Aigbe became immersed in music right from childhood. His stage name Sose, was coined from the traditional name - Soseneyayi’. One can easily say ‘Sose’ is also an acronym which is the talented DJ’s motto to life: 'Smile Over Sorrow Everyday'; a manifestation of his positive and unstoppable approach to life and love of music. DJ Sose is not only known for his striking facial tattoo, but he is also best known for his ability to keep the crowd dancing while creating a musical experience like no other by mixing different genres of music.
Besides being the official in-house DJ for Africa's first Saturday Late Night Tv Show called Highlites with IK, DJ Sose’s top-notch skills makes him the current official DJ for Comedy Nites in which he supplies the best blend of groove to keep every episode lit for the audience.
Apart from manifesting his positive and unstoppable approach to life and love of music, he has also left a beautiful footprint with his thoughtful comic book called BEATZ in which he is a character born with a rare condition called Synesthesia, which fosters seeing sound as colours. In this comical journey, power later finds him, and of course, he chooses to use his powers to stop bullies. Typical of him to always use his talents to save lives, both in the real world and in comic books. We stan!
Having bagged a degree in Business Information Systems from the University of Hertfordshire, and a diploma in Film & Video Production from Cavendish College, London, it is no surprise seeing him manage several music projects and help others reach their path of self realisation within the music industry at the same time. Welcome to the family, DJ Sose!
Obi Asika
Obi Asika is the real definition of Mr. endowed. This high-flying music executive was educated at Eton College, The University of Warwick and The Nigeria Law School where he acquired vast knowledge and experience in sports marketing, the music business, tv production, marketing and communication, as well as event production.
His involvement in television shows and events like the Nigerian World Cup Village for FIFA 99, Big Brother Naija and Channel O Eviction Parties, Calabar Music Festival and many more, is the reason we’re not surprised to have this accomplished man as one of the Judges this season.
In 2015, Obi Asika was appointed Senior Special Assistant to The President for Social Media & Digital. He joined the board of trustees of the Nigerian Olympic Committee in December 2020 and he is former Vice Chairman of Kwara Utd, a Nigerian Premier League football club.
Did we mention that he is the founder of Dragon Africa, a strategic communications agency, event and conference producer, as well as the co-founder of Social Media Week Lagos, one of the largest new media and technology conferences in Africa? Whew! We’ll take a break from blowing that horn now.
Obi Asika is keen to work with those who can partner on new technologies, especially in terms of making African content (music, movies, sports, games, comics and more) available to the African Diaspora, and an increasingly engaged global audience. For this reason, it will be fascinating to see him stun Idols hopefuls with his wealth of skills, while he raises the African flag higher with his unmatched passion and incredible work ethic. It’s about to be a very interesting sixth season!
If you’re a vocal hopeful, get yourself a pair of hawk eyes and keep them glued to our social media platforms for more info and developments – and if you’re just a music lover, fasten your seat belts because the 6th season brings so much with it.