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The X Factor is probably the biggest singing reality show in the world, and a major telecommunications company is bringing it to Nigeria. This promises to be bigger than ProjectFame, or any other reality show currently in Nigeria, as the winning prize is one that is yet to be topped; 24 million naira. According to the company’s Head, Reality Shows, Sulyman Bello, Glo is proud to be the catalyst bringing about this development and the attendant buzz cum excitement it will generate across the continent. “Africa has been yearning for a programme of this optimum quality and we are privileged to have made it possible,” an ecstatic Bello said. He added that Glo needed to do something special to signpost the special year of its 10th anniversary, hence the gift of “The X Factor” to entertain and delight its teeming subscribers across sub-Saharan Africa and the larger public. “This year marks the 10th anniversary of our operations and this programme is, in part, our modest way of thanking our subscribers for their loyalty and patronage,” he said. Commenting on the ultimate prize of $150,000 to the winner, Bello said that this is in sync with the profile of the show. “The unprecedented top prize is a reflection of the premium status of the programme; this is in addition to the coveted Sony Music contract with the attendant post-season super star status for the winner and international stardom.” He added. The X Factor, a Syco-owned format, is produced and distributed worldwide by FremantleMedia. Speaking about the show’s upcoming debut in Nigeria, Jamie Lynn, EVP Sales & Distribution, EMEA at FremantleMedia said: “The X Factor is one of the leading entertainment shows of this generation and we’re absolutely delighted to be working with Glo to bring Nigeria its own version. The blockbuster show has enjoyed immense success all over the world and we have no doubt it will make the same impact in Nigeria as it has had around the globe.” The aim of the reality show is to find new musical talent and hence the show is open to all ages, sex, styles, solo and group acts. Dancers are also featured and contestants can accompany themselves on guitar, piano or any other musical instruments.

“The X Factor” has been successfully launched in major countries including UK, the United States, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and Spain. Here in Africa, the month-long pre-auditions, which are the first stage, will kick off in Abuja on April 13 and later hold in Port Harcourt and Lagos. It will also run in Accra and Kumasi in Ghana.