The contest was tough for Shanuolu Adesola (Sholz), Rodney Brown Edemhanria (Rodney) and Abimbola Olugbenga (Raptitude), the three finalists in the maiden edition of Naija Street Champ, judging by fans’ reaction and dlemma of the judges; but in the end, Rodney Brown Edemhanria stole the day.
Amidst the popular British band Right Said Fred’s ‘Stand Up’ victory song, the audience, mainly youths, went ecstatic at the Eko FM Hall, LTV studios, Ikeja, venue of the grand finale, as the name of the 25-year-old burgeoning artiste was announced last Saturday.
Rodney the Monster, as he is fondly called, represented Ikeja zone in the competition, and thus had more crowd at the venue who echoed his victory – his contenders stood agape as he was lifted to high heavens.
The package for the winner was a cash prize of N1 million and a three-year recording deal – Rodney, posing with show jurors, Terry G, ID Cabassa and D’Tunes, smiled to the cameras, as the dummy cheque was being presented.
The evening held great promises for all finalists, including Sulaimon Idris (Dabreez) who was the first to be evicted among the four in the first round of performances.
Sholz, Rodney and Raptitude, the only lady standing, had performed twice on stage, thrilling the enthusiastic crowd with their songs done on beats produced by Terry G and ID Cabassa. And when there was no clear winner, the judges asked for another round of performances, this time, a freestyle show by the three contenders.
Despite Rodney’s win, the judges also had kind words for the two other contestants whose musical career they promised to help actualise. In the same vein, D’Tunes announced that he would be giving the sum of N300, 000 each to the first and second runners up.
Taking inventory of the first edition of the Naija Street Champ, Project Manager Oladehinde Fajana described the show as a huge success. He was optimistic that subsequent editions will be greater. He also urged brand custodians to take the opportunity of the project to reach their targets, especially the youth market.
Rodney, while speaking to the press, congratulated other contestants on their wonderful performances, courage and showmanship, saying he would be willing to work with them in the future.