There is no doubt at all that reality shows have become a staple in the entertainment industry. Though some reality shows took a break for some years, they seemed to be back in full force in 2021.

This year, quite a number of reality shows held and they produced winners that are fast endearing themselves to the public. Saturday Beats takes a look at some of them

Whitemoney wins Big Brother Naija (Shine Ya Eye)

Hazel Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney, is definitely one of the biggest celebrities that emerged from a reality show this year. Whitemoney was declared winner of the Big Brother Naija (Shine Ya Eye) Season Six  on Sunday, October 3, 2021, after four of the last six standing housemates— Emmanuel, Angel, Cross and Pere had been evicted in accordance to the number of votes they got in an ascending order, leaving Whitemoney and Liquorose as winner and first runner-up respectively.

During the show, the 29-year-old Whitemoney on several instances spoke about how rough he had it while growing up. At a young age, he had to join his mother in selling food. He also stated that he once worked as a commercial photographer and generator repairer.

Whitemoney won the N90m grand prize, which included a N30m cash prize, cash in a digital wallet, bitcoins, a two-bedroom apartment, a top of the range SUV, and a trip for two to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), courtesy of Travelbeta.

Exactly two months later, on December 3, Whitemoney hosted a listening party for his new song titled, ‘Selense’.

Other notable contestants on the show were JMK, Tega, Boma, Jackie B, Saga and Nini. 

Kingdom Kroseide is ‘Nigerian Idol’ (Season 6)

Kingdom Kroseide emerged winner of the Nigerian Idol (Season 6) music reality show on July 11, 2021. After the auditions, there were 11 finalists— Faith Mac Ebiama, Comfort Alalade, Emmanuel Elijah, Clinton Francis, Beyonce Ajomiwe, Francis Atela, Dotun Deloye, Faith Onyeje, Akunna Okey, Daniel Ikechi and Kingdom Kroseide.

However, Kingdom and Francis were the only two finalists who made it to the grand finale on Sunday, July 11, and battled for the title of ‘Nigerian Idol’. Kingdom’s victory was announced after both contestants had performed to their hearts’ delight. Both finalists performed songs by Fela Kuti. Francis sang ‘Yellow Fever’ while Kingdom performed ‘Gentleman’.

As winner, Kingdom walked away with a cash prize of N30m, a brand new SUV, a six-track EP recording deal, three music videos included, an all-expense-paid trip to Seychelles, and a weekend getaway to Dubai for two. Other gifts included a wide range of Tecno products, Bigi-branded refrigerator plus one year supply of Bigi drinks, and a DSTV explora fully installed with premium subscription for 12 months.

Esther Benyeogo emerged queen of ‘The Voice’

Esther Benyeogo won the third season of the talent show, The Voice Nigeria, on Saturday, July 24, 2021, after 18 weeks of breathtaking performances.

Esther ‘out-sang’ the other top contestants— Naomi Mac, Esther, Dapo, Kitay, Kpee and Eazzie— who scaled through to the final stage out of the 25 contestants that started the contest.

Benyeogo got a cash prize of N10m, an SUV, and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.

This was the first time The Voice Nigeria Season was recorded in Nigeria, and it was produced by Livespot360 and UN1TY Limited.

For this third season, coaches Waje and Yemi Alade, alongside new coaches Darey and Falz, ‘hunted’ for the ultimate voice out of 13,000 applicants.

The top three contestants for the show were Esther and Kpee in Team Dare and Eazzie in Team Waje.

The show was sponsored by First Bank, Baba Ijebu, Airtel Nigeria and Minimie.

Adausu Taiwo is ‘The Next Titan’

Adausu Taiwo emerged winner of The Next Titan (Season Eight). Taiwo, who is an expert in elderly care and is the founder of Teezee Elderly Care, was announced winner at the grand finale which was held in Lagos, with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, in attendance at the event which was headlined by Heritage Bank in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports. The winner of the show was selected by a panel of judges that was led by the Chairman, Trans-Sahara Investments Corporation, Kyari Bukar; Chief Executive Officer, EFG Hermes Nigeria Limited, Lilian Olubi; and Chairman, CPMS Africa, Chris Parkes.

Out of the top 18 contestants, five made it to the grand finale, with Taiwo eventually emerging the winner, carting away a N15m cash prize.

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Source: The PUNCH