How 2face, Waje and Timi Dakolo emerged coaches of The Voice Nigeria!

By Joan Omionawele

The year 2016 is getting ready to illuminate the entertainment industry as leading Nigerian vocalists 2face Idibia, Waje, Timi Dakolo and Patoranking have been announced as coaches for the maiden edition of the Airtel sponsored show, The Voice Nigeria. The coaches were unveiled on Tuesday at The George Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The announcement of the coaches came as preparations for the maiden edition of the show reached fever pitch following talent auditions in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos.

Speaking at the press conference, the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said: “It’s an exciting time for us at M-Net. The Voice is an internationally renowned franchise and has consistently provided exciting television content whilst giving great opportunities to talented individuals to showcase their talent to the world. The Nigerian adaptation will be no different and our viewers can expect the best television entertainment even as we wait to discover the next generation of talented singers!”

Since its original launch in 2010, The Voice has won audiences in countries like the US, Australia, South Africa and the UK, where other renowned artistes have occupied the show’s famous red chairs as coaches. The Voice Nigeria employs the same format including a panel of four coaches who critique the contestants’ performances. The coaches guide their teams of selected artistes through the remainder of the season whilst also competing to ensure that their act wins the competition.

Revealing the reason for the choice of the coaches, Wangi noted : the coaches have huge followership and have persistently touched lives with their voices and this is the platform the Airtel and Africa magic will use to give voices to the voiceless in the society.

From left to right- The Voice Coaches, Waje Iruobe,; Innocent Idibia (2Face); Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director, M-Net West Africa; Timi Dakolo, (The voice Coach) and Emeka Oparah, Director Corporate Communications, Airtel, during the press conference to unveil The Voice Nigeria Judges held at The George Hotel , 30 Lugard Road, Ikoyi,Lagos today Tuesday 19th January 2016.

While speaking at the conference, 2face Idibia affirmed: It will be an amazing show and being a coach will be very exciting for me. Especially having to direct people. I am proud to be an Airtel ambassador as this is a massive project towards uplifting the lives of people.”

For an exited Waje “This is just to seal my name because I describe myself as the voice of Nigeria. We thank Airtel Nigeria for creating jobs and adding value.”

 On his part, Nigerian Idols winner, Timi Dakolo said “I know that there are lots of people out there who have voices and I pledge to do my best.”

Commenting on the unveiling of Coaches, Mr. Ahmad Mokhles, the Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, sponsors of The Voice Nigeria, noted that Airtel is passionate about creating platforms that will delight, excite, entertain and engage talented youth as well as telecoms consumers across the country.

According to him, “The Voice Nigeria demonstrates Airtel’s commitment to its vision of connecting Nigerians to their dreams. We are also pleased by the fact that the majority of the coaches are not just icons in their respective music genres but also members of the Airtel family, underscoring our intense interest and support for the entertainment and creative industry.”