Project fame contestants pay homage to Onyeka Onwenu

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On Sunday, August 29, the remaining 10 contestants in the third season of MTN Project Fame paid homage to the veteran singer-songwriter, Onyeka Onwenu and other legendary African acts. Last week the Nigerian diva was on hand to lecture the contestants and assess their performance by being this week’s celebrity/guest judge.

Onyeka with the contestants

A day after two contestants (Helen and Vwede) were eliminated from the show, the contestants stepped on stage to perform and save themselves from possible elimination this week. The first contestant was Adebola who performed Hallelujah by Onyeka. Vocal coach, Ige commended her for bringing out her personality in the song and delivering the song accurately even though she isn’t Igbo. The second contestant who graced the stage was Eyo who performed the classic hit, Ifeoma by Felix Lebarty. After his performance, Onyeka observed that he was an entertainer but he was missing the voice quality and that he was going off in some parts.

Jocelia sang Let Me Love You and Bibie told her that she has a great voice but her performance felt like a rehearsal and that she needs to be more confident. Kaffy however did praise her for experimenting with her movement. The hot contestant from Ghana Kesse was next up and after his rendition he was praised by Kwame for giving 110% of himself into his performance Kwame wondered if Kesse should be in the competition or he should just go and release and album. The fifth contestant Christian was also from Ghana. Christian performed the highlife tune Bonsue which could arguably be rated as his best performance so far in the Academy. His performance was so on point that Onyeka was visibly excited. She later said that Christian “inhabited the song to the minutest note” and that he performed like a master of the genre.

Chidinma performed Ekwe by Onyeka which earned her standing ovation from the audience. After the thunderous applause, Onyeka said that her “costume was appropriate and her mood was appropriate. She was sassy, cheeky, strong, and bold and she thoroughly enjoyed herself.” Tolu sang another of Onyeka’s timeless tunes You and I. His was another performance that moved the crowd. His performance earned 3 gbosas! from the audience. Onyeka couldn’t hide her feelings. “Music can make you fall in love with someone. I think I have fallen in love with him. I don’t mind doing a duet with you” gushed Onyeka. Rhoda performed Hot Hot Hot and Onyeka commented that she was convincing.

Omo Ibadan a.k.a Yetunde was the ninth contestant to perform, she sang Ja Fun Mi by King Sunny Ade. After her impressive performance she was commended by Onyeka for using KSA’s singing style well and that her movement was on point. She concluded by saying that it felt like watching a female KSA performing. Ochuko was the last contestant to hit the stage, He sang Afro-juju by Shina Peters. His performance raised the roof. Bibie said his showmanship was absolutely perfect. Ige went on to further add that his breath control was impeccable.

Now after the performances comes the elimination round. To keep your favourite contestant in the competition, just send his or her number to 306. Your vote, might just be the one to put them in the competition.