Rapid Blue Format and Optima Media Group (OMG), the organizations behind the hugely successful Nigerian Idols TV show which has graced our TV screens with outstanding entertainment for two seasons, have brought the 6-year-long, globally popular “Got Talent” Franchise to Nigeria. The debut season of what will be known as the “Nigeria’s Got Talent” reality show will last from June to December 2012 whilst auditions begin from the 4th of July 2012. Thousands of talented Nigerians of all ages and sexes each bearing a unique talent will troop to audition centres located across the country, to audition for a chance to be the next Susan Boyles, Diversity, or Bianca Ryan – performers who have received worldwide acclaim and super star status courtesy of the “Got Talent” franchise.

Speaking about this new entrant into the Nigerian entertainment space, Mr. Rotimi Pedro, Managing Director of Optima Media Group enthused, “The group puts Nigeria on the world map again, side-by-side with countries like America, France, and India who have bought into the ‘Got Talent’ franchise; which is one of the fastest growing in the world. Through the franchise, we are glad to be able to provide a worldwide platform for raw, unique, and dynamic talent in this country and at the same time present the worldclass entertainment which is our trademark. Amongst the significant features of the show is that it gives an opportunity to talented amateurs or unknown performers, with the results being decided by an audience vote. There is no age restrictions for contestants on the show. Anybody can audition with any talent.”

Speaking on Airtel’s sponsorship of the Nigeria’s Got Talent reality TV show, the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Airtel Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava said the telecommunications operator is committed to driving its brand vision of being the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians by passionately creating credible platforms that celebrate and reward young, talented Nigerians.

“Airtel connects Nigerian youth to their friends, fun and life aspirations. Nigeria’s Got Talent is essentially a platform to fulfill our mission to enable Nigerian youth to have the best of fun with their friends while also fulfilling their life dreams. Our youths are very talented; they have delivered great music, great acting and have achieved a whole lot in other endeavours like sports and even in academics.  And that is why Airtel is here to demonstrate its commitment to such lofty goals,” said Srivastava.

For Evita Mousalli, COO Cool, Wazobia Info Radio stations who are the official media partners “It is exciting that this show finally comes to Nigeria. It’s a franchise I have followed since inception and for us at Cool FM it’s huge and we must be part of it. So we are excited to take the news of Nigeria’s Got Talent across Nigeria with all our 11 radio stations and counting.”

In this debut season, a panel of three reputable judges will be faced with the daunting prospect of identifying unique talents to face the viewing public who will decide, in a series of semi-finals and final shows, who most deserves the chance of stardom. Nigeria is the only country on the African continent, with the exception of South Africa that has been able secure the franchise.”

The “Got Talent” franchise has produced many notable performers in the last couple of years.1st runner up of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 Susan Boyle’s debut album became the fastest selling UK debut album of all time, selling over 3 million copies in the U.S. This is the sort of platform which OMG, through “Nigerian’s Got Talent” hopes to give many budding and equally talented performers in the country.

The franchise is one of the fastest growing international franchises, closing the gap on other successful franchises such as ‘The Weakest Link’, ‘The X Factor’, ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’, ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ amongst others. OMG is excited to close the gap and be a springboard for the many talents across the country.