Theatre Week is here, and it’s already proving to be a game-changer. This episode introduced the group round, a challenge where contestants were split into boy and girl bands to test not just their vocal abilities but their synergy and stage presence.In an exciting twist, former Idol winners and fan favorites Kingdom, Progress, Victory, and Chima returned, not to compete, but to mentor the new contestants. Their presence brought a mix of excitement and nerves to the contestants.Rehearsals and vocal training kicked off immediately, signaling the start of a tough Theatre Week. While some contestants delivered stunning performances, others struggled to shine. As expected, the tension was palpable.A few eliminated contestants, like Buzzy Tee, expressed displeasure about the group setup. He believed he would have performed better as a solo act rather than being tied to a group’s overall performance.The mentors and trainers gave their all during the training sessions, offering guidance and personalized tips to each group and individual contestant.Guiding the contestants through the intensity were mentors like Tima Reece, Jazzsari, Anderson, and returning idols Chima, Progress, Victory, Kingdom, and Kelvin, all seasoned performers who understand the pressure of the Idol stage.However, the group round wasn’t without challenges. One major hurdle was song selection, as many contestants were unfamiliar with their group songs, making rehearsals even more demanding.Even with the pressure, there were heartwarming moments. Iyanya, one of the judges, reassured contestant Savvy TG of the promise he made to help with the production of his song, even though Savvy TG was evicted. It was a kind gesture that showed how much the judges believed in the contestants’ potential beyond the show.Some groups saw two or three members go home, but the final group to perform for the night stood out, and all three members of the group secured their place in the next round. They nicknamed themselves ‘The Nutella Boys’, sang End of The Road by Boyz II Men, and the members were Jkenova, Sapphire Whinnas, and Gospoe.With just 25 contestants left, the journey to crown Nigeria’s next Idol gets even more thrilling, and only the best voices will survive.Catch Nigerian Idol Season 10 every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151, GOtv Ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Ch. 154, GOtv Ch. 2). Stay tuned to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel on DStv Ch. 198 and GOtv Ch. 49 for exclusive behind-the-scenes access and all the musical magic.

As the Nigerian Idol Season 10 auditions continue, Episode 3 brought even more passion, surprises, and stand-out moments that reminded us why this show remains a fan favorite.

This week, a few familiar faces returned, determined to rewrite their Idol journey. While not all comebacks ended with golden tickets, many contestants left with renewed motivation and valuable feedback from the judges.

One of the most powerful and unforgettable performances of the night came from Ubaku, a contestant from Akwa Ibom, whose spirit-filled worship performance momentarily shifted the atmosphere. The judges were visibly moved, so much that it felt like the audition room had transformed into a worship session. That performance earned a golden ticket and likely gave more than a few viewers goosebumps.

Another standout moment came with a touch of legacy. Tolani, daughter of the late OJB Jezreel, the iconic Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer, auditioned with grace and strength. The judges, visibly impressed, told her she had truly proven she was her father’s daughter. All three gave her a “yes,” earning her a golden ticket and emotional praise. In a touching full-circle moment, Iyanya revealed that OJB himself had produced Iyanya’s first album, making the moment even more special and deeply rooted in musical history.

Throughout the episode, the judges, Iyanya, Ric Hassani, and Omawumi, were in top form. Their banter brought lightness to the audition room, offering viewers moments of laughter amidst the nerves and high stakes. From playful teasing to heartfelt reactions, their chemistry remained a key part of the show’s appeal.

One performance that fell flat vocally sparked a priceless reaction from Omawumi. Her expression alone which was meme-worthy was the highlight of the night. Ric and Iyanya’s laughter sealed the moment as a fan favorite even before the show ended.

Backstage, host IK kept the energy up with his signature charm, guiding contestants through the nerves, excitement, and post-performance emotions. His behind-the-scenes interviews and pep talks gave the audience a closer look at the personalities behind the voices.

By the end of the night, it was clear,  more yeses than nos were handed out, showing that this season continues to attract true talent. And even those who didn’t make it through left with hope and many declaring their intent to return stronger.

As the auditions roll on, one thing is certain, Nigerian Idol Season 10 isn’t just about vocal ability. It’s about growth, legacy, passion, and those unforgettable moments that stay with us long after the music stops.

Catch Nigerian Idol Season 10 every Sunday at 7 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151, GOtv Ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Ch. 154, GOtv Ch. 2). Stay tuned to the 24/7 Idol Extra channel on DStv Ch. 198 and GOtv Ch. 49 for exclusive behind-the-scenes access and all the musical magic.

The countdown is on as the continent turns its eyes to Lagos for the grand finale of Africa’s biggest celebration of film and television, the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), taking place this Saturday, 10 May 2025. 

Organised by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, the AMVCAs have grown to become the continent’s most prestigious platform for recognising excellence in African film, television, and digital content. This year’s event is a four-day cultural and industry showcase that began on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, and continues to build momentum toward the main awards night.

The festivities kicked off with Icons Night, a stylish tribute to industry legends whose contributions have shaped Africa’s creative landscape. On Thursday, Young Filmmakers Day puts the spotlight on the next generation of storytellers with an exclusive AMVCA Masterclass on “Sound in Filmmaking,” led by acclaimed sound engineer and producer Shawn Butler.

Today, Friday, 9 May, all roads lead to the highly anticipated Cultural Night, a vibrant celebration of African fashion, food, music, and artistic expression. It’s a stunning showcase of the continent’s heritage and a proud nod to the cultural identity at the heart of African storytelling. Guests can look forward to a live performance by Segun Johnson, known for his high-energy live band sets, as well as appearances from notable personalities.

The festivities come to a grand close on Saturday, 10 May, with the main awards ceremony, a star-studded night of red carpet glam, electrifying performances, and the announcement of winners across 27 award categories, including Best Movie, Best Actor and Actress, Best Director, and more. The ceremony will be hosted by the ever-charismatic IK Osakioduwa, with musical performances from Johnny Drille, Fido, Kumie, and a special dance act by The Dreamcatchers.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, shares her excitement:

“This year, we’re celebrating not just creative excellence, but the cultural richness and resilience of the African film and television industry. From the fashion to the music and the stories themselves, the AMVCAs are a powerful reflection of our identity and our evolution as storytellers.”

The red carpet begins at 4:00 PM WAT, followed by the main show at 7:00 PM WAT, and will air live on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv, Pearl Magic, Mzansi Magic, and Akwaaba Magic.

Audiences across Africa and the diaspora are invited to tune in and join the celebration using #AMVCA11 on social media.

The 11th AMVCAs is proudly supported by headline sponsor Amstel Malta, tactical sponsor Onga, and partners including Martell, MTN, Nivea, Indomie, Lush Hair, Verve, Quickteller, Goldberg, Arla, and Desperados.