By Oludayo Salami 

Kunle Ogunrombi, popularly known as K-Peace, has once again raised concerns about unpaid prize money from his 2015 victory on “Etisalat’s Nigerian Idol”. His recent interview on The Honest Bunch podcast has re-ignited discussions about prize settlements after reality TV shows in Nigeria. 

As the winner of a reality TV show, backed by a popular brand (Etisalat at the time), K-Peace deserves the money he won on the show. However, K-Peace’s claims are marked by glaring inconsistencies. Maybe it was intentionally shared to whip public sentiments, knowing that most people would run with that snippet, not the full story. Whatever the intention was, it turned out to be quite misleading. So here are the facts, available to everyone who can do a simple Google search.

Etisalat’s Nigerian Idol was organised by Optima Media Group in 2015. The cash prize at the time N7.5 million along with, a brand-new car, a recording deal worth and some high-end devices. K-Peace won the season, and rightly deserved the promised prize. In interviews, K-Peace admitted to receiving N5m and the car. The next season, 6 years later, a totally different brand got the rights to the show and revived it simply as Nigerian Idol. Recently, a snippet of K-Peace’s interview on a podcast alluded to the fact that the organisers had not paid him.

The public, including myself, will naturally side with K-Peace, as it is in us to side with a perceived underdog in any fight. An underdog deserving of public support should be one able to tell a coherent story. 

If K-Peace still hasn’t received the full amount, he should directly call out those responsible. He won Etisalat Nigerian Idol in 2015, so if there’s an outstanding balance, he should demand payment from Etisalat—now rebranded as 9mobile or the franchise owners at the time Optima Media Group. Publicly addressing the right entity will generate pressure and increase his chances of getting what he is owed.

A background check will reveal that Nigerian Idol went on a six-year hiatus after K-Peace’s season and was revived in 2021. Since then, the show has produced four winners—Kingdom Kroseide, Progress Chukwuyem, Victory Gbakara, and Chima Udoye—all of whom have received their prizes. This further suggests that the issue lies with the former organizers.

To get justice, K-Peace must clarify his claims. Is he seeking the remaining N2.5 million, or is he alleging he was never paid anything? And most importantly, he must call out those holding on to the prize he won. If he remains vague, Nigerians may end up supporting the wrong fight.

This is 2025—there’s no need for fear or hesitation. If there’s money to be recovered, the right people must be held accountable. But without clarity, this could become just another social media distraction. K-Peace, Nigerians are willing to help, but only if the facts are clear.

Kunle Ogunrombi, popularly known as K-Peace, has accused the organisers of Nigerian Idol of failing to deliver on the prizes he won after emerging victorious in the show’s fifth edition in 2015.Speaking on the Honest Bunch podcast, K-Peace claimed that despite being promised N7.5 million and a car, he was left struggling financially after the show.This was according to a snippet from the full interview released by the podcast on Sunday.PUNCH Online reports that the full interview is set to be released at 6pm today (Monday) on YouTube.

“I came out of the Nigerian Idol platform with zero naira in my account,” he revealed.He alleged that the organisers kept postponing the prize disbursement while he endured financial hardship.

“We would go for interviews with empty belle as a Nigerian Idol winner. We would walk through Lagos without food,” he lamented.

K-Peace further stated that part of his winnings included a two-week trip to Dubai, which he never received.“What you announced on national television is that I won N7.5 million with a car. And I am supposed to have a two-week trip to Dubai. I was going through hell. Plenty talks dey,” he said.The singer did not confirm whether he eventually received his prize money.K-Peace is the Nigerian Idol Season 5 winner, and in a 2020 interview with PUNCH Sports Extra opened up on his love for boxing, his soft spot for Wayne Rooney and more.

Punch

It’s funny how kids can watch the same show over and over, and it never seems to get old. They’ll laugh at the same jokes, sing along to the same songs, and sit through it all like it’s the first time. There’s something about those shows that clicks with them, a world they just don’t want to leave.It’s like how they get attached to their favorite toy, the one that’s been through a lot but still has a special place in their heart and can never be replaced. Maybe it’s just the right colors, funny voices, characters and story line that makes them excited and eager to watch.So what other ways than to keep the little ones entertained and glued to the screen this month than watching these shows on GOtv!Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn- NICKELODEON (GOtv Channel 87)

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Indomie is no longer just a favorite meal; it now has a show that kids can’t get enough of. This one is packed with fun challenges, exciting games, and cool prizes. If your child loves action and competition, this show will have them jumping around the living room.PAW PATROL- NICK JNR (GOtv Channel 81)

Let’s be honest, if your child is in the toddler phase, PAW Patrol is probably their best friend. These adorable rescue pups are always on a mission to save the day, whether it’s helping a lost cat or fixing a bridge that is broken. Parents, be ready to hear “PAW Patrol to the rescue!” at random times in your house or start thinking of getting your children their own puppy.Adventure Time – Cartoon Network (GOtv Channel 89)

Finn, a fearless boy, and Jake, his magical dog, go on crazy adventures in a weird and wonderful world called the Land of Ooo. It’s funny, silly, and full of unexpected moments that all kids love. If your child loves adventure, they should definitely watch this!School of Rock – NICKELODEON (GOtv Channel 87)

Imagine a rockstar walking into a classroom, ready to show kids that music is all about having fun and being yourself. With a little help, they learn to break out of their shells, pick up instruments, and maybe even start their own band. Be ready to laugh a lot and even have your kids throw a mini concert in the living room.So, grab your remotes and let this world of exciting shows take over, and if your subscription needs to be updated, do not be worried just grab your phone, open the MyGOtv app, or dial *288# to subscribe, upgrade, or reconnect in seconds. And if you’re always on the move, the GOtv Stream App ensures you never miss a moment of your favorite shows, no matter where you are. So go ahead and play these wonderful shows for the kids.